Apple has been discussing adding satellite connectivity to its smartwatch line
It’s not too long until the Apple Watch 8 is announced, and it’s possible that a more expensive Apple Watch Pro will debut at the same time, suggesting that Apple has lofty goals for its next generation of smartwatches. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who is generally spot-on with his reporting, claims that Apple has discussed incorporating satellite communication into its wristwatch line. That’s a premium feature suited for a premium watch, and it could make sense for a future Apple Watch model. The ability to ping satellites directly might be beneficial in situations where Wi-Fi and cellular networks aren’t available, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about the Apple Watch Pro (which has been given a variety of names in the leaks we’ve seen so far).
The upcoming Apple wristwatch model, rumored to be more durable and outdoor-focused, may compete with Garmin’s premium smartwatches for runners and hikers. It seems like a feature that seasoned outdoor adventurers would need is the ability to “report major events in regions without cellphone service,” which might be accomplished with a satellite hookup. There have been rumors that the iPhone will soon receive the same capability. The question is whether or not Apple will include any of this functionality in the products it announces on September 7. It’s probable that we’ll have to wait another year or two for satellite-connected Apple iPhones and Apple Watches.
This week alone has seen examples of the decreasing cost and increasing utility of satellite-based internet services from providers like Starlink and T-Mobile. There will be fewer and fewer obstacles to establishing links to satellites in orbit throughout time. You can connect to a satellite network without a bulky antenna or an extremely pricey phone. That’s crucial when you’re attempting to integrate the technology into a compact and affordable gadget that appeals to customers, such as a smartphone or a smartwatch for the wrist.
To begin, it’s possible that Apple’s planned service is intended solely for use in times of dire need; in other words, you’ll be able to text and contact the emergency services in situations where no other connection options are available, but you won’t be able to do things like check your inbox or surf the web. However, the function is likely to get more complex over time.