Finally, a fun iPhone 13 rumor! Apple is only weeks away from the release of a new iPhone 13 if it keeps to its current schedule. Until now, the rumors were very limited and even boring. According to MacRumors, Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst and prognosticator, is now suggesting that the iPhone 13 may have satellite calling built in.
The X60 would likely support another element of 5G.
Kuo has written a note to investors claiming that the iPhone 13 can connect directly to LEO satellites using a custom Qualcomm X60 baseband chips. LEO satellites are best known for being the backbone of Elon Musk's Starlink internet service. This service relies on satellites in lower orbits to beam internet down to customers. It also avoids some of the common pitfalls such as high latency and frequent blackouts.
Starlink is not the only company that uses LEO satellites to connect. OneWeb and Hughesnet have teamed up to launch a rival to Starlink. Immarsat also announced a new constellation that will be used to connect with terrestrial 5G networks to provide a better global solution. Globalstar is a key player in this iPhone rumor. Its stock soared earlier this year after Qualcomm announced that its upcoming X65 chip will support Globalstars Band n53 technology. 3GPP previously approved Band N53 as a 5G band.
Similar Everything You Need to Know About 5G
The rumor that the X60 will support another element of 5G is true. This is currently made up of a variety of technologies including the faster, but less widespread, C-Band and the limited, but more reliable, millimeter-wave. LEO 5G could provide support for areas without towers, which would be especially useful in rural areas where it is often difficult to get 3G and 4G connectivity.
It remains to be determined what this means for battery life. The tree factor is also a consideration. Hopefully, the X60 chip on the iPhone 13 will not be as susceptible to tree interference as a Starlinks Dishy McFlatface.
