Satellite network confirmed on iPhone: why it's a revolution

During its keynote this evening, Apple confirmed thatthe new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plusare equipped with satellite connectivity. This means that in the event of a serious incident, you will be able to within secondscontact emergency servicesclosest to you via a network of spatial sensors, which avoid potential interference from large cities.

Better yet: in case you are for examplelostin a large space without the slightest antenna nearby, your mobile will still be able to pick up the signal emitted by a satellite high up. This feature is free for two years but will however be payable thereafter, although we do not know the precise price at the moment.

Which models are compatible?

According to information that was communicated by the manufacturer this evening, all iPhone models at the end of the year are equipped with components that allow satellite connectivity. It is therefore a question ofiPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It's unclear if previous editions will be eligible, but it's unlikely that a simple update to iOS 16 will be enough.

Undeniable advantages

The possibility of alerting emergency services in the event of an emergency, even without having a traditional network close to you, should undoubtedly save lives. Indeed, we no longer count the mishaps that leave travelers lost in the middle of the desert or in the heart of a dense forest for dead. Andin the event of violent falls or car accidentsoutside the covered areas, evendetection of these unfortunate eventsmay not be enough, which will give even more credit to the satellite connection.

Apple, however, did not mention the case ofinterpersonal communicationsthrough this means. You will therefore have to wait longer before being able to contact your friends or family in a more traditional setting, which is understandable when we know that the solutions which allow this already cost several hundred euros per unit. And these are just simple relays, where the iPhone offers a whole range of hardware and software capabilities.