Last year, Apple introduced satellite communications with the iPhone 14. This emergency feature is designed to send limited SOS messages in dangerous situations where cell phone reception is not available. There have been many inspiring stories of lives saved, and Apple has extended the period during which this service is free for early adopters.

With this year's Galaxy S23, Samsung said it was too early to follow suit, but we had high hopes that the Galaxy S24 would introduce its own satellite communications next year. In fact, in October, Samsung's Yong-In Park was reported to have said that 2024 would be the year.

But apparently, the Galaxy S24 will not be Samsung's satellite device debut, with ET News reporting that it "will not be onboard this time." Why? The company has apparently decided to introduce something more useful rather than rush into a product similar to Apple's.

According to insiders, when Samsung strikes out, it will apparently offer a two-way service, rather than the one-way satellite communication structure enjoyed by the iPhone these days. In other words, while Apple can only send messages via satellite, Samsung will apparently enable reception as well.

It is not clear if this means that Samsung has revised its 2024 ETA or if this technology will just appear in another line of phones later this year. It would be surprising if the company debuted such a desirable feature in a mid-range handset, but of course, another premium handset is on the way; will the loss of the Galaxy S24 benefit the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6?

According to ET News sources, network connectivity testing of the S24 began on December 28 with SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ carriers.

Samsung apparently offered the handset under the disguise of a "box phone" shaped like a lunchbox for secrecy. Considering that there is already no shortage of S24 design leaks, it's like a horse closing the stable door after it's hoofed, but there you go.

In fact, with so many leaks, there is little mystery left in the Samsung Galaxy S24 family. Aside from the new chipset and improved telephoto camera for the S24 Ultra, the most exciting thing about the upcoming phone is the reported integration of generative artificial intelligence. We will soon find out if this is a real game changer or just a powered-up Bixby.