iFixit has been busy tearing apart the new iPhone 14 models and found the Qualcomm X65 modem inside. However, that’s not enough to enable the new emergency SOS via satellite service introduced with the new models.
“iPhone 14 includes custom radio frequency components and new software designed entirely by Apple, which together enable emergency SOS via satellite on new iPhone 14 models,” Apple told Reuters.
The iFixit teardown is still ongoing, so we’ll have to wait before taking a closer look at this custom hardware. We’ve already seen it in this iPhone 14 Pro Max teardown video.
Apple iPhone 14 teardown by iFixit
The X65 modem is definitely part of the equation. Last year, Globalstar announced that it would support X65 band n53 – a band approved by 3GPP for satellite-based IoT services in 2020. In case you haven’t heard, Apple has reserved up to 85% of the bandwidth on Globalstar’s satellite network to support the new feature.
The emergency feature will be enabled via a software update in November this year. This will be a beta test only available in the US and Canada, though not exclusive to North American owners (but iPhones purchased in China, Hong Kong and Macau will not work). The coating may be spotty above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Canada and Alaska. More details about Emergency SOS here.
source | through
