The iPhone 14 has a satellite SOS function: how does it work?

This is one of the innovations of Apple’s latest version: an SOS function that works even in white areas, thanks to a satellite link. So what is GlobalSat and how will it actually work?

Nothing to do with Starlink or mobile networks in space.

The Space iPhone

The information was buzzing in the middle of satellite operators for a few weeks already, but it was not until the presentation of the iPhone 14 to know exactly what Apple’s flagship product would offer as a “satellite link”.

This is, as you may have followed, a function dedicated to sending a call for help, or SOS, in the event of an emergency outside the usual telephone networks. White areas, mountains… Examples of Murphy’s law abound: it’s always when you desperately need a network that there is no longer any bar.

This SOS function should therefore remedy this, but beware, it is not a question of connecting, calling or using data by satellite. It is a courier service.

” SOS, I repeat, SOS »

One particular app (same as Find My Phone) should give you several instructions to get the clearest possible link between your phone and the GlobalStar satellite constellation, before asking you about your emergency. After which, a message in a predetermined format will be transmitted to the satellite. We will know in November, when the system is activated, whether or not the messaging can be sent to other recipients than the emergency services servers, or to share its location.

Anyway, at the fastest an iPhone 14 can send its message by satellite in about fifteen seconds, but it could also take several minutes depending on geographical conditions. It is more difficult to have satellite visibility in a deep valley than at the top of a mountain, for example.

This is a service that will be specific to the iPhone 14, and perhaps to future generations, but which cannot be implemented on previous generations: there must be a specific antenna on the new Apple smartphone to connect to GlobalStar satellites. This is a subscription service, the first two years of which will be offered with the iPhone 14.

Overall who?

Like Iridium, GlobalStar is one of the “historic” communication constellations in low orbit, marketing voice calls via its 48 satellites from the year 2000! The price per minute was then exorbitant and the equipment particularly expensive. Since then, the constellation has diversified its services and replaced its satellites with 24 units sent into orbit between 2010 and 2013.

Their capabilities are limited to voice, messaging and low data rates, with specific subscriptions and hardware. The option chosen by Apple will therefore clearly be restricted to its SOS application, even if it is a first step… Especially since GlobalStar (losing momentum, but which has taken off on the stock market since the announcement yesterday) has everything similarly reserved 85% of the bandwidth of its constellation for the Apple brand.

Source : Universe Today