Apple plans to bring satellite communications to its smartwatch line-up by next year. This new feature will allow users to send emergency texts and SOS signals even in areas without cellular coverage. The next Apple Watch Ultra model will be able to connect to Globalstar Inc.’s fleet of satellites.
Users can send off-the-grid text messages when they don’t have access to a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The upcoming smartwatch will offer satellite connectivity in a standalone format, so users won’t need to carry an iPhone with them. Apple is also considering switching from Intel modems to a MediaTek model for cellular connectivity on its smartwatches.
Another major upgrade will be the support for 5G RedCap, a reduced capability form of 5G aimed at better efficiency for battery-powered wearables. “Examples of the use cases that will be addressed by RedCap include wearables such as smartwatches, wearable medical devices, low-end AR/VR glasses, video surveillance, industrial sensors, and smart grids,” explains the company behind the tech. Apple continues to work on blood pressure monitoring, though there is no exact timeline for its arrival.
Apple adds satellite texting and 5G
The company is also experimenting with other health innovations, but those features may take time to develop. Apple’s bid to reinvigorate its wearables market with new features comes as the Big Tech firm aims to recover from the recent slump in the smartphone market.
Despite the recovery of the smartphone market in 2024, Apple’s iPhones played a smaller role in that recovery than rival Android phones. According to IDC’s report, Android phones saw a 7.6% growth this year in Asia (excluding Japan and China), Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, particularly among their lower-end devices. In contrast, Apple’s iPhones are expected to climb only 0.4% for the year.
The IDC also predicts growth to slow to single digits from next year and beyond due to increasing smartphone penetration, longer refresh cycles, and a fast-growing market for used phones. Apple’s efforts to introduce satellite texting to its smartwatches reflect its strategy to target niche markets and introduce innovative features that differentiate its products from competitors. As the wearables market continues to evolve, such features could provide significant value to users who require reliable communication methods in remote areas.
With the integration of health-monitoring tools like blood pressure monitors, Apple is enhancing its existing product line and contributing to the larger trend of health-focused technology. As the tech landscape changes, it will be interesting to see how these new features impact Apple’s market share and whether they can successfully attract existing and new customers to their ecosystem.
