Apple iPhone 13 to offer direct satellite link to users - a first for an iPhone? But Elon Musk type problem looms

Apple iPhone 13 could come with a feature not found on any of Apple’s previous smartphones. It could get rid of slow internet issues and provide freedom from your uncaring telecom company too. From price, launch date, slow internet to Elon Musk problem, know it all here.

Apple iPhone 13 set to go where no iPhone has gone before - offer support for calling and texting using satellites, according to an analyst. However, it may be hit by problem Elon Musk led Starlink internet suffered. Apple iPhone 13 launch date is likely in 2 weeks' time. (MINT_PRINT)

The Apple iPhone 13 series is arriving later this year, launch date is likely in just 2 weeks, and previous leaks have suggested that it could bring improvements to the screen, better device and network performance, a smaller notch, and improved cameras. And, importantly, Apple iPhone 13 price will likely remain same as the current iPhone 12. While these specs and features are all marginal improvements over previous devices, an analyst suggests that Apple could also be adding an iPhone 13 feature not found on any of Apple's older smartphones. However, there may be a problem and that is what hit Elon Musk-led Starlink.

1. Freedom from slow internet for iPhone 13 users? Having reliable 4G and 5G connectivity is challenging when you are outdoors, in many parts of the world. When you're in remote areas, cellular networks can be unreliable and connectivity can be patchy even in top cities. In fact, slow Internet speeds are what most smartphone owners suffer from on daily basis and this new iPhone 13 feature has the potential to provide users freedom from these unresponsive companies. According to a report by MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the iPhone 13 could feature Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity.

2. What will make satellite link possible for iPhone 13 users? Connecting to satellites could be possible on the iPhone 13, thanks to a customised Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that is capable of connecting to LEO satellites, according to the report, which adds that the chipmaker has been working with satellite connectivity provider Globalstar, with support for the n53 band (which is a 5G band) on its X65 baseband chip. This means that we could see support for satellite communications on smartphones as early as 2022. According to the report, Kuo likens the impact of LEO technology to that of mmWave 5G connectivity on the industry.

3. Who will get Apple iPhone 13 satellite connectivity first? However, this technology is likely to be available exclusively in the US at the beginning, if Apple does decide to launch it for users.

4. What will this satellite linking on iPhone 13 cost? It is unclear whether users will have to pay for an additional subscription to access special satellite connectivity, or whether network providers will adapt their plans to include this feature.

5. Who will users get satellite connectivity from on iPhone 13? The report states that the most simple scenario would involve operators in partnership with services like Globalstar that might include support for LEO connectivity as part of their regular plan.

6. Will iPhone 13 face the Elon Musk Starlink internet problem? However, as The Verge points out, there might be more pressing concerns surrounding the use of satellite connectivity on smartphones. Elon Musk's Starlink internet was found to be affected by trees, buildings and poles. This could cause issues for many users and is likely something Apple would need to work on if the reports of satellite connectivity being included as a feature on the iPhone 13 are true.