Apple has announced that it will hold a special Far Out event on September 8 at 1am Beijing time. The event will still be held online and is expected to bring new products such as the iPhone 14 / Pro series, Apple Watch Series 8, and the launch of iOS 16.
For more than a year, there have been rumors that Apple was looking into bringing satellite capabilities to the iPhone, and now word is that it’s likely to appear on the new iPhone 14 series. In addition to helping iPhone users report emergencies in areas without cellular service, sources now say Apple is also considering supporting satellite connectivity on Apple Watch Pro devices.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in its Power On newsletter says that the next generation of the rugged Apple Watch Pro could feature satellite connectivity.
"The company has also discussed internally the idea of offering satellite capabilities for its watches, which could make sense for future versions of the next generation of the more rugged Apple Watch Pro."
In today’s newsletter, Gurman discusses the importance of adding satellite connectivity to the iPhone.
"This is a step up from the current iPhone and Apple Watch capabilities to quickly call emergency services and provide them with a location. The prospect of having an iPhone to get first aid without a cellular connection is just the beginning of Apple's planning. Eventually, users will have access to the global Internet and be able to make regular phone calls via satellite links. The combination of fast 5G networks and satellite services could one day turn iPhone into the most powerful global communications device available."
While the rumored first-generation Apple Watch Pro is not expected to support satellite connectivity, the watch will also bring the usual high-end feature upgrades.
The Apple Watch Pro will reportedly be visually distinct from the newly designed Apple Watch Series 8, although rumors differ on whether it will have flat edges, and Gurman talks about the “evolution of the current rectangular shape.
One of the main changes to the Apple Watch Pro will be the materials used to make it. Currently, the Apple Watch is available in aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. The Apple Watch Pro will reportedly feature a “more durable titanium formula” as Apple works to make it as strong as possible.
In addition to the larger 1.99-inch display design, the Apple Watch Pro also reportedly has longer battery life. Longer battery life will be a key factor in the “durability” aspect of this “extreme sports model” of the Apple Watch.
Much like the Apple Watch Series 8, this new Apple Watch Pro is expected to add support for temperature measurement. While the Apple Watch cannot accurately measure body temperature, it will send an alert when it detects a rise in body temperature. Users can then use a traditional thermometer to accurately measure their temperature.
