iPhone 13 announced more than a week ago an unreal new function for mobile phones, more precisely, one that would allow us to use satellites in Earth's orbit for GSM connectivity in areas where it is not offered from traditional telecommunications operators.
iPhone 13 would have this technology implemented this year, but it seems that for now it will only allow sending SOS messages to emergency services, and that's because making phone calls would not be possible in this phase.
iPhone 13 would need special components to be able to make emergency calls, but for now the Apple company is not ready to offer something like that, so only requests for help via SMS messages would be the only related functionality connecting to satellites.
iPhone 13 would have this functionality integrated into the Messages application, and messages sent via satellites in areas without a GSM signal would appear gray in the application to differentiate them from those that are sent or received usually.
“Some have asked me if these new features mean the iPhone can be used as a satellite phone and have the ability to make calls anywhere in the world without cellular coverage. The answer is a big no. That's not happening now, next year, or anytime in the near future. Apparently, Apple will integrate satellite emergency messaging into the Messages app, allowing users to contact emergency services and close friends without any cellular signal. Bloomberg says emergency messages would appear as gray bubbles, joining the traditional blue iMessage and green SMS. Phone calls may eventually be accepted. said Mark Gurman."
iPhone 13 will be just the beginning of the implementation of connectivity for satellites, and from next year the technology will be expanded to allow making phone calls, but for now only in certain markets around the world, not in all the world.