10/11/2025
Apple is reportedly working on next-gen satellite connectivity for iPhones that goes beyond emergency texting and calls. The planned features include:
Offline maps via satellite connectivity.
Photo-messaging (not just text) via satellite.
“Natural usage” improvements — e.g., the phone might not need a clear sky view or be pointed toward the sky to connect.
Why this matters:
If Apple pulls this off, it could further shrink the gap between traditional cellular/wifi connectivity and remote/off-grid communication.
For regions with unreliable infrastructure (which includes many parts of Africa), satellite-enabled devices offer significant advantages.