Apple Researching Using Satellites To Send Data To iDevices, Report Says

Apple is looking into using satellites to beam cellular and internet data to iPhones and more iDevices, a report claims.

Dead zones, places where internet and cellular signals cannot be found, exist. Some of these are located in rural areas. Some of these areas are even found in the most familiar of places, such as home.

Various carriers use fiber optic cables and masts to transmit internet and cellular signals so that consumers can stay connected and communicate with people that matter to them. Smartphone and device-makers with no proprietary means of sending and receiving such signals rely on such carriers.

One big-name tech giant is looking to stop relying on carriers and bring signals to more places. According to a report from Bloomberg, Cupertino tech giant Apple is looking for ways to use satellites to send data to iPhones and other iDevices such as the iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch. The company reportedly plans to be able to do this within 5 years.

In 2017, Bloomberg also reported about Apple's interest in using satellites. The Cupertino tech giant first showed that interest when it talked with Boeing about a low-earth satellite project. This endeavor was meant to allow Apple to provide internet connection to developing nations where dead zones abound.

Two years later, Apple continues to show interest in using satellites for the endeavor, and it appears to be more serious that previously thought. It is said to be hiring experts –software, hardware and aerospace engineers– who can find ways to use satellites to transfer data to its slew of devices.

Bloomberg's current report, however, seems to indicate that while Apple is bent on looking for ways to use low-earth satellites to transmit data and is already looking to devote a full team of experts to the task, it “doesn’t have a clear path forward yet,” 9To5Mac noted.

The report also noted that while Apple is serious about the matter, “work on the project is still early and could be abandoned.” The company has already set internal expectations regarding the project, but also expects results to come about five years from now. Nevertheless, it's clear that it is serious about the matter.