Broadband/Connectivity Mobile Satellite Services News

Apple may be working on satellite tech for wireless iPhone data transmission

The work on satellite technology is one of several “special projects” under way at the technology major.

Apple is working on satellite technology that the iPhone maker could use to send and receive data directly to user devices, including the iPhone, bypassing wireless networks, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The technology giant has reportedly hired a number of aerospace engineers to form a team along with satellite and antenna designers including Skybox Imaging alumni Michael Trela and John Fenwick, who are leading the team.

Apple could also be exploring satellites for more precise location tracking for its devices, enabling improved maps and new features.

However, it is not clear if Apple intends to develop the technology itself or simply harness on-the-ground equipment that would take data from existing satellites and send it to mobile devices.