New iPhones have Qualcomm satellite modem and new Apple radio chips

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s iPhone 14 models include a Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) Inc chip that can talk to satellites, but have additional custom-designed Apple components used in the phone's biggest new feature, according to a phone analysis by iFixit and an Apple statement.

Apple launched the iPhone 14 series on Friday. One of the most important new features is the ability to connect to satellites to send emergency messages when there is no WiFi or cellular data connection. Apple said earlier this month that the iPhone 14 models include new hardware that enables the emergency message service, and Apple plans to unlock it in a software update coming in November. Apple did not provide details about the satellite-specific hardware. iFixit, a San Luis Obispo, California-based firm that disassembles iPhones and other consumer electronics to assess how easily they can be repaired, took apart an iPhone 14 Pro Max on Friday to reveal the Qualcomm X65 modem chip. The Qualcomm chip provides 5G connectivity for cellular networks and can also utilize the so-called n53 band, a frequency band used by Globalstar (NYSE:GSAT) satellites. Globalstar announced earlier this month that Apple had struck a deal to take up to 85% of Globalstar's satellite network capacity to enable its new emergency messaging feature. In a statement to Reuters on Saturday, Apple said the iPhone 14 includes additional specialized hardware and software for the new messaging feature. "iPhone 14 includes specialized radio frequency components and new software designed entirely by Apple that enables Emergency SOS via satellite on new iPhone 14 models," Apple said in a statement. Follow Global Economic Developments on Social Media! Click here to follow Ieconomy official Facebook account! Click here to follow Ieconomy official Instagram account! Click here to follow Ieconomy official Twitter account!