It's the kind of iPhone 13 rumor that makes even jaded Apple observers sit up and take notice - the iPhone 13 could potentially add satellite communications to go along with the existing cellular connection. The juicy rumor came from a respected source, analyst Ming Chikuo, who is typically wired into the Apple supply chain. He often had insight into what would happen next, and was therefore ready to entertain the idea that people could quickly pull out their new iPhones and enjoy reliable connectivity, even in places where LTE or 5G could not reach.

It sounds too good to be true. That's why this rumor must be true.

It is highly likely that the iPhone 13, coming next month, will offer some kind of extended connectivity. Thus, it could mean that many of the elements that appear in Kuo's report on satellite support are in place. However, rumors that the iPhone will be in constant contact with low earth orbit (LEO) satellites may be a step too far.

Kuo's claims regarding the iPhone 13's satellite connectivity came via an investigative report found by MacRumors. In that report, Kuo is said to have claimed that the upcoming iPhone will tap LEO satellites to make calls and send messages without using a cellular connection. This is a handy feature if you travel or backpack in areas where cellular service is spotty, or if you are one of the many Americans who live in rural areas that are underserved by the current cellular network.

Specifically, the Qualcomm X60 modem that is expected to be included in the iPhone 13. It will apparently be customized to support satellite communications; Globalstar will be the provider of that connectivity and may work with wireless carriers to incorporate it into their existing communications plans.

Additionally, as 9to5Mac noted in its analysis of the news, Globalstar's data plans are not cheap, with 150 minutes worth of talk time starting at $79.99, while unlimited texting alone costs $34.95 per month. It is hard to imagine that carriers partnering with Globalstar would willingly bear this cost, or that iPhone 13 buyers would add the extra charge to their cellular service plans.

So what are the chances that the iPhone 13 will arrive this fall with satellite communications capabilities as described in Kuo's report? I am deeply skeptical," says Avi Greengart, founder and lead analyst at Techsponential, a provider of market analysis and advisory services for consumer technology.

We are not saying that the Kuo report should be dismissed out of hand with respect to the iPhone 13. iPhone 13 has the potential to improve communication and connectivity, even if it is not like satellite communications.

The key to understanding this rumor may be the modem on the iPhone 13. This is a powerful modem that supports 5G and LTE, but the X60 is not Qualcomm's top-of-the-line Snapdragon X65. And as pointed out in an enlightening Twitter thread by PCMag lead analyst Sascha Segan, who is trying to clarify this iPhone 13 rumor, specific X65 support bands are not included in the X60. This is the 2.4 GHz terrestrial frequency band owned by Globalstar. Sagan tweeted, "Globalstar wants to enhance LTE."

In other words, a likely scenario is that the iPhone 13 is set to receive a modified version of the X60 modem that can operate in the terrestrial frequency band that is partnered with Globalstar. This move probably has nothing to do with Globalstar's satellite business - at least not at this time.

Bloomberg filled in another piece of the puzzle on Monday evening (August 30), although it is less certain what the iPhone 13 might do with its enhanced cellular connection. According to a new Bloomberg report, satellite connectivity in future iPhones will be dedicated to safety/emergency features.

While the hardware may be in place with the arrival of the iPhone 13, the Bloomberg report notes that the emergency feature itself may not be ready until next year. Therefore, don't expect the iPhone 13 to have satellite connectivity when it goes on sale next month.

The takeaway here is that a future iPhone with some sort of satellite connectivity capability is plausible, although the feature itself may take a while to be ready for primetime. And the ability to connect to satellites may have implications beyond the iPhone. Apple is reportedly working on everything from its own cars to AR-based glasses, and the ability to work with LEO satellites could definitely be a key part of any of these ambitions. For now, however, the iPhone's 13-modified modem is likely to remain earthbound for now.

Not that the iPhone 13 won't boast many other features that will excite would-be shoppers. In addition to a new and improved processor, Apple's new phone is expected to feature an improved camera, a smaller notch, and a faster updating display, at least on the iPhone 13 Pro model. Satellite connectivity would certainly be a welcome addition to these enhancements, but I wouldn't count on it being the centerpiece of the iPhone 13's debut.