The rumored Apple Watch Pro could steal the show at Apple’s big launch event next week, but the company is said to be planning a major advantage for its successors.
In his weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple plans to add satellite connectivity to a future version of the Apple Watch Pro, said to be designed for extreme athletes and endurance.
The satellite calling feature—something rumored to be an addition to iPhone models for some time—may be attractive to hikers, for example, because it enables people to call emergency services and loved ones when cellular or Wi-Fi isn’t available.
“The company has also internally discussed the idea of giving it satellite features for the watches, which might make sense for a future release of the new, more powerful Apple Watch Pro,” Gorman wrote in their Sunday newsletter.
It remains to be seen if the feature is ready for an upgrade for 2023, but the news could make some Apple Watch Pro fans pause before jumping in with the first generation product, should it arrive as expected next week.
The Apple Watch Pro is expected to have a longer battery life, a larger screen and a titanium chassis, which increases durability. It is also expected to cost a pretty penny as well. Hopefully we get the full picture at the Apple Far Out event on September 7.
The prospect remains a target for a future iPhone model, according to the newsletter, with Gurman saying it makes the iPhone a more powerful communications device going forward.
The trusted reporter added, “The prospect of having an iPhone that can reach first responders without a cellular connection is just the beginning of what Apple is planning. Ultimately, users can access the global Internet and the ability to make regular phone calls via satellite links. Fast 5G and satellite service could one day turn the iPhone into the most powerful global communications device available.”