Apple is all set to launch the iPhone 13 lineup. The launch is likely to take place around September 15. Ahead of the launch, there has been a buzz around what’s new the company is going to offer. The iPhone maker could introduce satellite connectivity in the upcoming models. It means that the new devices will feature low earth orbit satellite communication connectivity.

Reports say that iPhone 13 will come with hardware that will connect it to LEO satellites. The system works by linking the device directly to communication satellites. It will boost the connectivity by allowing users to make calls and send messages in regions that are without a cellular connection.

When enabled, the device will not require a 4G or 5G cellular connection to make calls or send text messages. This will give a new communication experience to iPhone users. The upcoming models will feature a customized chip. It will be a customized version of the Qualcomm X60 modem chip. This will pave the way for communications over satellite. The iPhone maker is working with Globalstar.

It is an American satellite communications company. The company will offer connectivity over the n53 band on iPhone 13 models. The owners of the new iPhone lineup will not be needed to pay additional charges for enabling LEO satellite communication.

Apple is hopeful that satellite communications will help the company cement its strong position in the market. The satellite connectivity was on Apple’s radar for a long. Reports in 2019 suggested that Apple is working on a project similar to this. The feature will be launched in the US market. It remains unclear whether the connectivity will only support voice calls and sending text messages or it will include other Apple services.

Apple will expand the feature to markets outside the US soon. The network operators will, however, require working with the LEO satellite communications companies to start offering the feature to customers on their cellular connectivity.