iPhone 14 and Starlink (satellite): Elon Musk evokes discussions with Apple
The iPhone 14s support an emergency call feature using a connection to satellites. It is thus possible to contact the emergency services in areas where there is no mobile network. Apple’s partner is Globalstar and SpaceX could possibly be next with Starlink.
On Twitter, Elon Musk, the boss of Tesla and SpaceX, revealed that his company had discussions with Apple for connection with Starlink satellites. “We’ve had promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity. The iPhone team is obviously very smart. It is certain that closing the link between space and the phone will work better if the software and hardware of the phone adapt to space signals rather than if Starlink only emulates the cell tower”said the richest man in the world.
We’ve had some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity. iPhone team is obv super smart.
For sure, closing link from space to phone will work best if phone software & hardware adapt to space-based signals vs Starlink purely emulating cell tower.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 8, 2022
Recently, SpaceX and Tesla announced a partnership for a new “satellite-to-cellular” service that will allow second-generation Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit to pair with carrier T-Mobile’s midband 5G spectrum for the purpose of to provide nearly complete coverage in most areas of the United States. The advantage is that this system works with existing smartphones.
Can we expect a partnership between Apple and SpaceX? Or are the talks between Apple and SpaceX over? Only the future will tell us. Initially, satellite connection with the iPhone 14 will be available in the United States and Canada, starting in November.
