In recent years, Apple has quietly dabbled in satellite communications. The company sought a future where its various devices could connect directly to satellites to provide a variety of services. However, Apple's ambition faced a complex and multifaceted struggle. On the one hand, the world's richest man was using his influence to quash the iPhone maker's hopes. On the other hand, there was internal resistance and rejection from some executives who expressed concerns about the high costs and challenges associated with building and maintaining Apple's satellite constellation. In the following lines, we will shed light on Apple's space dream and what are the internal and external challenges?
Apple's Space Dream
According to a report by The Information, Apple's satellite communications endeavors aim to eventually provide users with features such as emergency messaging and, potentially, broadband internet. By integrating satellite capabilities into its products, Apple hopes to reduce its reliance on traditional telecom companies and expand its services globally. However, realizing these grand plans has not been easy, with significant resistance from both inside and outside Apple.
The report also underscores the complexity of Apple's path due to potential and current competition and collaborations with major companies in the field, such as Elon Musk's SpaceX. As noted, Musk's Starlink, which already enjoys a prominent position in the satellite internet space, could become both a strategic partner and a strong competitor. This dual role has led to tense negotiations and even public disagreements between the iPhone maker and the Twitter owner. Furthermore, tensions within Apple itself regarding the viability of these space projects and its tactical approach have further complicated its ambitions.
Eagle Project
In 2015, Apple held discussions with Boeing about Project Eagle, a plan to launch a wireless internet service for iPhones and homes. The two companies would launch thousands of satellites into orbit around Earth to beam internet services to the Earth's surface. Apple intended to sell antennas that users could install in their windows to distribute internet connectivity throughout their homes.
Apple believed the plan would help provide a more seamless experience. It also saw the project as a way to reduce its dependence on other companies. Apple spent $36 million testing Project Eagle.
The service was originally slated to launch in 2019, but never saw the light of day. CEO Tim Cook was concerned that the project would jeopardize Apple's relationship with the telecom industry. He also expressed concerns about its high cost, given the lack of clarity on the project's near-term viability. In 2016, Apple canceled the project, and senior employees involved left the company.
Elon Musk and Tim Cook
كان Elon Musk The founder of SpaceX and Starlink proposed to Tim Cook an exclusive partnership with Apple to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into the iPhone 14 for $5 billion. This move was intended to provide robust satellite connectivity to the company's users.
However, Apple rejected this offer, reflecting its commitment to maintaining the independence of its technology ecosystem. Instead, it chose to partner with Globalstar when announcing its "satellite emergency communications" service. This decision led to ongoing tension between the two tech giants, with SpaceX subsequently challenging Globalstar's spectrum rights, complicating Apple's satellite service plans and slowing their progress.
inner struggle
Within Apple, Tim Cook faces resistance regarding the company's satellite projects. Opposing voices argue that the project's cost would be too high. There is also disagreement over strategic direction and technical feasibility. Some have expressed concern about Musk's management style and controversial methods. Additionally, others, including software chief Craig Federighi and chief corporate development officer Adrian Perica, argue that investing heavily in space would expose the company to greater regulatory oversight and different legislation, potentially treating it like a telecommunications company. They also argue that customers are more likely to subscribe to satellite features through mobile carriers.
Future prospects and implications
Finally, Apple's satellite communications venture holds promising prospects. While Apple seeks to expand its services from emergency relief to permanent satellite internet, its refusal to cooperate with Elon Musk has only increased its desire to exact revenge on the iPhone maker. Caught between the hammer of Elon Musk and the anvil of internal resistance, we remain to see how Tim Cook will navigate the existential challenges that will profoundly impact Apple's future.
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It seems that this will not happen soon unless there is a real competitor to Apple, and this is difficult because the majority of users are not travelers on continental roads like America. The cost comes first because it is a feature and not a technical necessity for constant communication, unlike its availability in emergencies, which is a natural thing and not a feature, but rather a necessity. I expect that the ambitious team will hit a wall of necessity and the features will not help him because to date, no space-age Samsung or Xiaomi has emerged.
Peace be upon you. Where do you subscribe to the weekly applications?
If not, does that mean iOS 18 will work on the fifth generation iPad?
Peace be upon you, guys, iPad Mini 5th generation. Has Apple stopped updating it or not yet?
And may peace be upon you !
It supports 18 and this is its last update in my opinion it will not support 19 for sure!