A number of of Apple’s iOS 18 software program options will make iPhone 14 and later fashions much less reliant on wi-fi or mobile connectivity — and will probably even make the corporate much less reliant on iPhone gross sales.
The corporate is increasing an emergency messaging characteristic, first launched with iPhone 14, which enabled units to contact first responders through satellite tv for pc.
Whereas the service was initially free, Apple indicated on the time that it will possible cost for the emergency characteristic, however then it prolonged the free interval for one more yr.
However then, eventually week’s WWDC, the corporate unveiled a non-emergency model of the service it is calling “Messages through satellite tv for pc.”
“Now you should use the satellite tv for pc capabilities on iPhone 14 and later to hook up with satellites a whole bunch of miles above the Earth to textual content your family and friends once you’re off the grid,” stated Ronak Shah, Apple’s head of web applied sciences product advertising.
The performance will assist sending and receiving messages, emoji, and tap-backs, all with end-to-end encryption, in addition to SMS messaging.
Whereas the emergency service is at present free — and will possible keep that manner — the non-emergency model might change into a supply of earnings as Apple grows its providers enterprise to offset slowing iPhone gross sales. Final quarter, the corporate reported file providers income whereas iPhone gross sales fell 10% from a yr earlier.
For now, Messages through satellite tv for pc could be most helpful as a nudge for house owners of older iPhone fashions to improve, particularly if the service expands to assist calls and different media.
However the monetary upside might be even higher for the corporate if it decides to cost for the service because it does for Music, Information, or Apple TV.
