Apple launches iPhone 14 with new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. Apparently this feature caught the attention of Elon Musk and SpaceX, which owns the Starlink satellite business.
In a tweet the day after the launch of the iPhone 14, Musk revealed that SpaceX had been in discussions with Apple about Starlink connectivity. But it is unknown whether the conversation between SpaceX and Apple is still ongoing.
"We had some promising conversations with Apple regarding Starlink connectivity. The iPhone team is of course very smart," Musk said as quoted by Bloomberg, Sunday (11/9/2022).
The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature allows iPhone 14 users to make emergency calls when in an area that does not have a cellular signal. These calls are made by utilizing a network of satellites that are always moving in orbit.
To provide this service, Apple is working with Globalstar to provide the satellite infrastructure. Apple also donated $450 million to expand its satellite infrastructure and Globalstar will receive the majority of the funding.
SpaceX itself has collaborated with US cellular operator T-Mobile to provide SMS services via the Starlink satellite in areas that do not have a cellular connection. The service will be released next year, and is still dependent on the launch of the new generation of Starlink satellites.
SpaceX and T-Mobile services allow users to communicate with other users. Unlike Apple's services, which focus on emergency communications with first responders.
Apple will release the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in November. This feature will be available for free to users for the first two years, but it is not yet known how much it will cost after this trial period is over.
Musk and his company have not collaborated directly with Apple so far. But back in 2020, Musk said he tried to sell Tesla to Apple at a time when the automaker was going through a rough patch. But Apple CEO Tim Cook said he never spoke to Musk about the deal.