Apple Watch Ultra 3 to get ‘texts via satellite’ facility: Report

This would make the Apple Watch Ultra the first mainstream smartwatch with a satellite technology.

Published on: Dec 11, 2024, 11:09:23 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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Apple is planning to bring a “texts via satellite” facility to Apple Watch Ultra 3, the company's top-of-the-line smartwatch model which is due for a launch next year, Bloomberg reported.

(FILES) An Apple Watch Series 9 carbon neutral device is displayed for sale at The Grove Apple retail store on release day in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2023. (Representational/Photo by Patrick T. Fallon/AFP)

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With the satellite capability, users would be able to send text messages when they don't have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, the report said. The satellites provider would be Globalstar Inc., a US telecommunications firm, it added.

This would make the Apple Watch Ultra 3 the first mainstream smartwatch with a satellite technology. However, the first device from the Tim Cook-helmed company with a satellite feature was 2022's iPhone 14, which allowed users to stay in contact with emergency services while off the grid.

Last year, Apple expanded iPhone 14's satellite technology to allow for contact with roadside assistance providers. This year, the technology was upgraded to let people use it to text anyone via iMessage.

Apple and Globalstar have expanded their partnership over the past few years. In November, the Cupertino-based tech giant invested about $1.5 billion in GlobalStar and, in exchange, took a 20% stake in it.

Also Read: 6 devices Apple discontinued in 2024

According to Bloomberg, after it reported the plans, the shares of Globalstar surged about 15% to $2.43 as of 2:26 pm (Wednesday, 00:56 am in India) while the iPhone maker gained less than 1% to $247.53.

Blood pressure feature also coming?

Further, the Bloomberg report stated that Apple is ramping up work on a blood-pressure feature as well, aiming to entice hikers and health-conscience consumers into upgrading their devices.

Also Read: Apple or Samsung, which smartphones Indians are buying

The feature would monitor if Watch users have a high blood pressure. This, too, is likely to come next year, thought it was previously set for a 2023 release.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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