iPhone 14 contains an “SOS” feature, which allows it to communicate with a satellite network during an emergency (if all other wifi/cell networks are unavailable).
Can someone explain to me how the new iPhone transmits these mini SMS messages to the satellite during emergencies? The typical antennas on modern cell phones are built for cell networks, in which towers are a moderate distance away. I assume the satellite receivers on the SOS network are thousands of miles away from the earth…do iPhones now contain satellite transmitters? How is the battery affected by transmitting to a satellite? Which frequencies are these SOS messages using?
Thanks!
In: 11
To my understanding, the iPhones communicate to the satellites on the L and S bands for satellite communications, so yes, they do have satellite transmitters. Satellite phones/communication devices aren’t particularly new, I believe we started seeing Iridium satellite phones over 20 years ago, and I don’t believe the Apple stuff is any real advancement.
On the horizon there is also a deal announced between Starlink and mobile providers, the next-gen Starlinks will have actual cell radios so it won’t be too much different than just having a slow ground connection (distance is a factor, but there’s also no interference from objects, which is the real signal killer).
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