Here’s Why the iPhone 13 Satellite Rumor was False

Apple unveiled its latest iPhone on September 14th, 2021. With the release, the iPhone 13 satellite rumor was proved false. Satellite communications technology would allow owners to deliver messages without cell service. Of course, this would be a huge addition to the iPhone line-up in terms of functionality.

However, as it stands, it's a rumor for future iPhones. If Apple continues to work on satellite-connected phones, it will become an important emergency-reporting tool. Here’s what we learned about the false rumors and what we can actually expect from the iPhone 13.

On the surface, an iPhone with built-in satellite communication technology would be otherwise pretty indistinguishable from any other model. Traditional satellite phones have long been used to allow those exploring the most remote parts of the planet to make calls as necessary. While Apple could feasibly bring the same functionality to a future iPhone, it's unlikely.

Instead, the smartphone's satellite capabilities would focus purely on emergency situations. By that token, iPhone owners could send messages to emergency responders in the case of serious accidents occurring in areas with no cellular coverage. The same tech could also be used to report major disasters, terrorist activity, and more in circumstances where network access is unavailable.

For now, any communications sent over satellite from an iPhone would more than likely be text-based only. Bloomberg has reported that users would be allowed to text emergency services over a satellite network via the existing Messages app.

Apple has supposedly been working on satellite technology since at least 2017. So there's been talk of a new emergency-reporting tool coming to an upcoming iPhone model for a while now. The iPhone 13 satellite rumor turned out to be false. However, it’s still on the table for future models.

The iPhone 12 came to market at $799, with the iPhone 12 Pro priced at $999. In addition, the iPhone 12 Pro Max saw its launch price set at $1,099. Meanwhile, the more pocket-friendly iPhone 12 Mini netted buyers a saving of $100 at the other end of the range, at $699.

Apple revealed iPhone 13 Mini’s cost starts at $699 and $799 for the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 Pro cost starts at $999, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max will start at $1,099. All models saw similar pricing options as their iPhone 12 predecessors.

With that, a range-topping handset would presumably receive a price closer to $1,200. That's purely speculative, of course, but if satellite connectivity is indeed on the cards, it seems reasonable to anticipate a price in this ballpark, if not somewhat higher.

The latest iPhone from Apple received at least a couple of notable additions. First, the iPhone 13 Pro has a macro lens, which allows photographers to shoot pictures from less than an inch away from the subject. In addition, the iPhone 13 Pro has wide-angle, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras.

The iPhone 13 will also run IOS 15, have increased battery life and storage, and come installed with an A15 Bionic chip. Likewise, the refresh rate has also increased. The iPhone 13 Pro has a refresh rate of 120Hz — double the standard refresh rate of 60 Hz for previous models.

All iPhones have long had a refresh rate of just 60Hz. While that's unlikely to have concerned most owners, it's always been an issue for those serious about mobile gaming.

A lightning-fast refresh rate is crucial where gaming is a priority. More gaming-focused smartphones such as the Asus ROG Phone 5 already have refresh rates of up to 144Hz. That said, Apple now has a phone that appeals to gamers. While that's not quite up to the standard of handsets like the Asus ROG Phone 5, it's still a marked improvement.

At up to $1,000 or more, any flagship smartphone is best protected by a policy with added accidental damage coverage, and the iPhone 13 is no exception. In addition, Apple will undoubtedly continue to offer a range of options via AppleCare+ and its AppleCare Protection Plan program.

Alternatively, Upsie offers extended subscription warranties that cost just $9.99 per month while still providing premium protection. Upsie's coverage protects against cracks, drops, defects, spills, and more.

You can purchase an Upsie warranty for smartphones purchased at any time.