The iPhone has been rumored for a few years about connecting to a satellite system for communication when it comes to areas with no cellular signal. And the latest report is expected to be ready to be used with the first iPhone 14. However, the HUAWEI Mate 50, which is scheduled to be released just 1 day before the iPhone 14, may become the first smartphone to support satellite connectivity.
The source reports that the HUAWEI Mate 50 smartphone may support connection to Beidou satellites, a satellite navigation system built and operated independently in China. And it is the 3rd generation satellite navigation system following GPS and GLONASS.
The purpose of the HUAWEI Mate 50’s satellite connection is the same as Apple’s, meaning it allows smartphone users to send emergency messages. when in an area with no mobile signal
Connecting smartphones to the Beidou navigation satellite system is through multi-sector cooperation, including China Ordnance Industry Group Co., Ltd., China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd., China Electronics Technology Group Co., Ltd. and a smartphone manufacturer in China. This means that besides Huawei, there may be other brands of smartphones that can connect to Beidou satellites in the future.
Source – iPhoneWired