Apple’s next big update could let iPhones and Apple Watch work even without cellular signal

Apple

Apple is quietly working on something that could change the way iPhones and Apple Watches stay connected even in places with no signal at all. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is laying the groundwork for a major expansion of its satellite capabilities. Some of these features may take years to roll out, but Apple already has a clear vision. The challenge, however, lies with Globalstar, the satellite company Apple partners with, which needs to upgrade its network before any of this becomes reality.

The most ambitious plan on Apple’s roadmap is satellite-powered maps. Imagine being able to open Apple Maps and navigate smoothly in remote areas, mountains, or deserts with no cellular network in sight. The company also wants to build an API that will allow app developers to integrate satellite features into their own apps, so users won’t have to wait for Apple to expand them.

Apple is also focusing on making satellite connectivity easier and more seamless. Right now, users have to point their phones at the sky to get a signal — something Apple finds clunky. The goal is to make future iPhones capable of connecting to satellites automatically, even indoors or while sitting in your pocket.

Next year’s iPhone 18 series might mark the beginning of this shift, as it’s expected to include support for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks — a fancy way of saying that mobile carriers will be able to connect directly to satellites. This could reduce network dead zones, improve call stability, and help users stay connected during travel, emergencies, or natural disasters.

Apple is also experimenting with richer satellite messaging, allowing users to send and receive not just text messages, but also photos via satellite. The company began its satellite journey with the iPhone 14, and while progress has been steady, there’s reportedly some internal debate about how far Apple should push into an area usually controlled by telecom operators.

If Apple pulls this off, the next generation of iPhones could make “no signal” a thing of the past.