iPhone 13 to feature low earth orbit satellite communication connectivity
Can this be the game-changing feature of the iPhone this year
September is around the corner. It’s that time of the year when Tim Cook takes the stage to introduce the new iPhone series to the world.
Assuming Apple sticks to the traditional schedule, we are mere weeks away from a new iPhone and the rumor mills are absolutely buzzing. But noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo brings the most unusual rumor to this year’s upcoming iPhone lineup.
According to him, the new iPhones will reportedly feature low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication connectivity via custom Qualcomm X60 modems which will allow them to make calls, send texts and get internet service in areas with little or no cellular coverage.
So let us first understand :
What is a low earth orbit satellite?
A low earth orbit (LEO) satellite is an object, generally, a piece of electronic equipment, that circles around the earth at lower altitudes than geosynchronous satellites.
LEO satellites orbit between 2,000 and 200 kilometers above the earth. LEO satellites are commonly used for communications, military reconnaissance, spying, and other imaging applications.
Most of the man-made objects orbiting earth are in LEO. Satellites made for communications benefit from the lower signal propagation delay to LEO. This lower propagation delay results in less latency.
Being closer to the earth has an obvious benefit for many types of earth observational satellites by resolving smaller subjects with greater detail.
LEO satellites have a much smaller field of communication with the earth than a satellite at a greater altitude. They also have a faster rotation around the earth. These factors necessitate a constellation of satellites to operate in concert for some applications.
A constellation is a group of satellites working in concert, spaced to provide the required coverage.
A great example of a low orbit satellite constellation is Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service which relies on satellites in a lower orbit to beam internet down to customers and avoid some of the common pitfalls of satellite internet, including high latency, and common blackouts.
Now let’s get to the second part :
How does all of this fit in together?
So here is the thing. Starlink isn’t the only organization using LEO satellites for connectivity.
Globalstar is a leading provider of customizable satellite IoT Solutions for customers around the world in industries such as oil and gas, transportation, emergency management, government, maritime and outdoor recreation.
A pioneer of mobile satellite voice and data services, Globalstar solutions connect people to their devices and allow businesses to streamline operations providing safety and communication and enabling mobile assets to be monitored remotely via the Globalstar Satellite Network.
Earlier this year, Qualcomm announced that it would include the band N53 in the New 5G flagship modem/their upcoming X65 chipset.
Qualcomm represents the newest commercial partner for Globalstar in the continued development of its terrestrial ecosystem. Designed to rapidly commercialize 5G, the X65 will extend the capability to mobile broadband, fixed wireless, industrial IoT, and private network applications.
So if the above rumor is true, then the current Qualcomm X60 chipset would likely be supporting another element of 5G, which is currently comprised of a whole mix of technologies, including the ultrafast but limited range millimeter-wave and the more widespread, but slower C-Band.
LEO 5G would provide support in places that don’t yet have the towers. This is particularly useful in many rural areas that often struggle to get the desired connectivity.
Hope the battery life on the iPhone 13 won’t be compromised in order to achieve all of this.
Final thoughts
As far as predictions are concerned, Ming-Chi Kuo has a pretty strong track record predicting Apple’s products and plans over the last several years but it remains to be seen if Apple will actually go for this change this year.
But whatever it is, it seems that as the other mobile brands are busy focusing on improving their moonshots, Apple is silently aiming for the stars.
So what do you think?
Please do let me know in the comments below.
