Apple is preparing to take its satellite ecosystem to a new level. According to insider yeux1122, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to become the world’s first smartphone with full support for 5G via satellites. This was reported by WCCFtech.

From emergency communication to full internet access

At present, satellite communication on the iPhone, starting with the iPhone 14 series, is limited to the SOS emergency feature, which allows short text messages in areas without cellular coverage. The new implementation is expected to make it possible to use the satellite channel for full 5G connectivity. This would include voice calls, high speed internet access, and data transmission anywhere on the planet where there is a clear view of the sky.

The insider states that both speed and stability will be significantly higher than in existing satellite solutions. This opens up entirely new use cases, such as reliable communication in mountains, oceans, deserts, or during natural disasters.

How it is expected to work

The implementation will most likely rely on the infrastructure of mobile operators rather than on a proprietary Apple satellite network. This means that the service may be offered as a paid option within a mobile plan, and its availability at launch will depend on regions and operator support.

Apple already has experience working with Globalstar for the SOS feature and with Qualcomm for modem technology. It is assumed that satellite 5G will use the Snapdragon X75 modem or its successor, both of which support Non Terrestrial Networks.

A free period as a precedent

In 2022, Apple launched SOS via satellite and stated that the feature would be free for two years. In practice, it has remained available without additional charge for more than three years. This gives reason to hope that at least basic satellite 5G functionality in the iPhone 18 Pro could be included in the price of the device or in standard mobile plans without a separate subscription.

In brief

Apple is planning to equip the iPhone 18 Pro with full satellite 5G support, potentially making it the first smartphone in the world with this capability. This would allow calls, internet access, and data transmission via satellites anywhere without cellular coverage. The service is expected to operate through mobile operators and may be paid. Given Apple’s experience with free satellite SOS, there is a possibility that basic satellite 5G functionality could also be offered without extra cost. The announcement is expected in autumn 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series.