Apple plans to expand satellite capabilities for the iPhone.

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is developing new satellite-powered features for the iPhone that will go beyond emergency texting and roadside assistance services. The upcoming upgrade may include: providing application programming interfaces for third-party apps to use satellite connectivity; offline use of Apple Maps through satellites; adding photos to satellite messages; supporting a "natural use" mode that connects without needing to point the phone to the sky; enhancing 5G capabilities with satellite links to expand coverage.