Apple and Starlink discussed a satellite messaging feature, according to Elon Musk
The satellite communications company Globalstar announced on Wednesday, following the release of Apple's newest line of phones, that it would construct the satellites required for the new feature that will enable iPhone 14 users in the United States and Canada to send emergency messages from remote locations.
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A day after the tech giant chose Globalstar for the job, Elon Musk claimed on Thursday that SpaceX and Apple Inc. were in productive negotiations about employing Starlink's satellite services for the iPhone 14's emergency texting feature.
The satellite communications company Globalstar announced on Wednesday, following the release of Apple's newest line of phones, that it would construct the satellites required for the new feature that will enable iPhone 14 users in the United States and Canada to send emergency messages from remote locations.
Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla Inc., stated in a tweet that "we've had some good conversations with Apple about Starlink communication."
In contrast to Starlink's strict cell tower simulation, he continued, "closing the link from space to phone will work best if phone software and hardware adapt to space-based signals."
A request for comment from Apple was not immediately complied with.
On iPhone 14 models, which include additional hardware to send the messages, a software update will make the satellite message feature available starting in November.
95 percent of the approved capital investment for the new Globalstar satellites will be covered by Apple. The satellite infrastructure for the feature received an additional $450 million from its advanced manufacturing fund, with GlobalStar set to get the majority of the investment.
Low-Planet Orbit (LEO) satellites, which operate 36 times closer to the earth than conventional ones and allow for speedier message transmission even in distant places, are produced by Starlink and Globalstar.
T-Mobile US Inc., a cellular provider, recently announced it would employ Starlink satellites to give mobile users network access in some areas of the United States, enabling them to connect mobile phones directly to satellites in orbit. By the end of 2023, texting services will be available as part of the new service's beta phase.
The broadband connection from Starlink has been utilised in times of need, such as in Ukraine when the Russian invasion cut off internet access and in Tonga during a catastrophic volcanic eruption and tsunami.
