Overview
- Bloomberg and Mark Gurman report that Apple is developing a satellite framework to let third‑party apps tap iPhone’s space connectivity.
- Plans include satellite-backed Apple Maps navigation plus the ability to send photos in the Messages app.
- Apple is also exploring “natural usage” that works from a pocket or indoors, plus potential support for 5G NTN for space-based 5G links.
- Voice calls, FaceTime video and general web browsing over satellite are reportedly not on Apple’s roadmap.
- The expansion would require Globalstar network upgrades, and a possible sale to SpaceX is being weighed that could accelerate modernization and enable customers to pay carriers or satellite providers directly for premium access.