Iphone 18 satellite 5g: a game-changer or just a gimmick?
According to a recent Weibo post by Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital, Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 series could feature satellite 5G connectivity, allowing users to access the internet from anywhere in the world, even without cellular coverage.
Emergency sos expands
Apple pioneered satellite connectivity on smartphones with the emergency SOS feature on the iPhone 14 in 2022. Since then, it has saved countless lives in remote areas with no cellular coverage.
Satellite internet on phones: not new
Chinese brands like Huawei have been exploring satellite internet on smartphones, with the Huawei Mate 60 Pro and Pura 70 offering SMS, voice calls, and image support via the Tiantong satellite system.
Rumor credibility
Fixed Focus' track record is impressive, accurately predicting the A19 Pro silicon in the iPhone Air and the early launch of the iPhone 17e. Apple plans to support 5G 'not tethered to Earth's surface,' and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed the company is working on 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) for the iPhone 18 series.
Usefulness and evolution
While the iPhone 18 satellite internet feature could revolutionize mobile connectivity, it's unlikely to offer high-speed internet in the first generation. Infrastructure and service providers are needed, and initial speeds might be slow, limited to messages, emails, and a few images.
Mixed reactions
- Yes, please! - The feature has massive potential and could change the mobile landscape.
- No, it's just a gimmick - The Technology is still in its infancy, and practical use cases are limited.
- Other - Leave a comment with your thoughts.
As the details unfold, we'll monitor the situation and report any updates on Apple's satellite internet plans for the iPhone 18 series.