iPhone 13 may get satellite communication abilities, can make calls without network: report

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 13 series may feature low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication abilities, which will allow the phones to make calls and send messages even without a cellular network connection.

The new iPhone lineup will reportedly get a customised Qualcomm X60 baseband chip to enable this feature, and Apple is working with American satellite company Globestar for the low-speed connectivity.

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Kuo said that iPhone 13 users will be able to communicate over LEO satellites without any payment or contracts, although this will be dependant on the contracts between network providers and Globestar.

Previous leaks have indicated that the iPhone 13 series may launch on September 14.