Apple plans satellite maps for iPhone and Apple Watch

Apple is working on expanding its satellite features for iPhone and Apple Watch users, however some of them are still far from being implemented.

According to a recent report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Cupertino has a long list of improvements for satellite connectivity, but they will rely on Globalstar's network, which will need to make key improvements in the coming years to meet Apple's demands.

The biggest update is expected to be the satellite maps feature, which will allow iPhone and Apple Watch users to use Apple Maps and navigate in areas without cellular coverage.

Apple is also building an application programming interface (API) for third-party apps that will allow them to integrate satellite connectivity into their apps. The company aims to make the process more efficient by eliminating the need to point devices toward the sky to connect to satellites.

Future iPhones will be able to connect to satellites even inside users' pockets. A key push for the iPhone 18 series next year will be support for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), which allows carriers to use satellites for wider network coverage.

Apple is also preparing to bring improvements to messaging, enabling the sending and receiving of photos via satellite connection.

The company began its push toward satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 series, but the new report shows that some Cupertino executives are unsure about a broader push toward satellite networking, an area traditionally controlled by carriers.