Apple’s satellite messaging capabilities, first introduced with the Emergency SOS feature on iPhone 14 and expanded with iOS 18’s Messages via Satellite, represent a significant leap in smartphone connectivity by enabling text communication even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage[2][3]. As the iPhone 17 approaches, Apple is poised to further extend this technology to reach more regions worldwide through several strategic and technological advancements.
1. Massive Investment in Satellite Infrastructure
Apple has committed up to $1.1 billion to expand satellite connectivity on iPhones, primarily through its partnership with Globalstar, the satellite communications provider powering the current Emergency SOS and satellite messaging features[1]. This investment will fund a new mobile satellite services (MSS) network, including a new satellite constellation and expanded ground infrastructure. Such enhancements will increase satellite capacity and coverage, enabling Apple to serve more users in previously unreachable areas globally[1].
2. Expansion of Satellite Constellations and Ground Networks
Globalstar plans to launch 17 new satellites in 2025, manufactured by MDA-Space, which will refresh and expand its satellite fleet. This constellation upgrade will provide improved bandwidth and reduce coverage gaps, allowing iPhone users in more remote and underserved regions to access satellite messaging. Enhanced ground stations will support better signal routing and reliability, critical for expanding service beyond the initial limited regions like the U.S., Canada, and the UK[1].
3. Leveraging Existing and New Partnerships
Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar and allocation of 85% of Globalstar’s satellite network capacity to Apple underscores a deep strategic partnership that facilitates control over satellite service quality and expansion[1]. Additionally, the broader satellite direct-to-device ecosystem is evolving, with competitors like SpaceX’s Starlink partnering with carriers such as T-Mobile to provide satellite SMS and data services. Apple’s leadership and investment position it to stay ahead by scaling its satellite messaging capabilities through exclusive and expanded agreements.
4. Software and Device Integration Enhancements
With iOS 18, Apple introduced Messages via Satellite, allowing users to send iMessages and SMS messages via satellite with end-to-end encryption, even outside cellular coverage[2]. The iPhone 17 is expected to continue supporting and improving this feature, potentially optimizing satellite connection protocols, reducing latency, and expanding supported message types. This evolution will make satellite messaging more practical and appealing for everyday use, not just emergencies.
5. Overcoming Current Limitations
Currently, satellite messaging requires a clear view of the sky and supports only text-based communications without multimedia or group messaging[2]. By expanding satellite capacity and improving technology, Apple may reduce these constraints, enabling more reliable connections in challenging environments and potentially supporting richer message content. The iPhone 17 could also incorporate enhanced antennas or signal processing hardware to improve connectivity in obstructed or dense areas.
6. Geographic Expansion
Initially limited to North America and parts of the UK, Apple’s satellite messaging service is expected to reach more countries as regulatory approvals and satellite coverage improve[2][3]. The expanded satellite constellation and ground infrastructure will facilitate this broader rollout, making satellite messaging accessible in regions with poor or no cellular infrastructure, such as remote rural areas, islands, and disaster-prone zones worldwide.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17’s satellite messaging expansion will be driven by Apple’s substantial investment in satellite infrastructure, upgraded satellite constellations, and strategic partnerships, especially with Globalstar. These developments will enable Apple to extend satellite messaging to a wider global audience, overcoming current geographic and technical limitations. Combined with ongoing software enhancements in iOS, the iPhone 17 is set to make satellite messaging a more integral, reliable, and secure communication option for users worldwide, particularly in off-grid and emergency scenarios[1][2].
[1] https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-to-bolster-iphone-satellite-services-with-1-billion-investment
[2] https://techstory.in/apples-groundbreaking-messages-via-satellite-attribute/
[3] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/text-via-satellite-iphb9262f4dd/ios