New iPhones have Qualcomm satellite modem, new Apple radio chips

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Sept 17 (Reuters) – Apple Inc’s (AAPL.O) iPhone 14 fashions include a Qualcomm Inc (QCOM.O) chip that may discuss to satellites, however have further custom-designed Apple parts used within the telephone’s greatest new function, in line with an evaluation of the telephone by iFixit and an Apple assertion.

Apple launched its iPhone 14 lineup on Friday. One of many main new options is the power to hook up with satellites to ship emergency messages when there isn’t any WiFi or mobile information connection.

Apple stated earlier this month that the iPhone 14 fashions include new {hardware} that makes doable the emergency message service, which Apple plans to activate with a software program replace coming in November. Apple didn’t give particulars in regards to the satellite-specific {hardware}.

iFixit, a San Luis Obispo, California-based agency that disassembles iPhones and different client electronics to evaluate how simply they are often repaired, took aside an iPhone 14 Pro Max mannequin on Friday, revealing a Qualcomm X65 modem chip.

The Qualcomm chip gives 5G connectivity for mobile networks however can also be able to utilizing what known as band n53, the frequency band utilized by satellites from Globalstar (GSAT.A).

Globalstar earlier this month introduced a deal by which Apple will take as much as 85% of Globalstar’s satellite tv for pc community capability to allow Apple’s new emergency messaging function.

In a press release to Reuters on Saturday, Apple stated there may be further proprietary {hardware} and software program within the iPhone 14 for the brand new messaging function.

“iPhone 14 contains {custom} radio frequency parts, and new software program designed solely by Apple, that collectively allow Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc on new iPhone 14 fashions,” Apple stated in a press release.

Qualcomm didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Luis Obispo, California; Enhancing by Leslie Adler

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