Apple Wants to Use Satellites to Beam Data Directly to Your iPhones

It would seem like Apple has been working on something in secret. The project, according to those familiar with it, is related to satellites and wireless technology, with the company looking to find new and better ways to beam data directly to Apple devices from satellites.

There's a secret team of around a dozen engineers across aerospace, satellite, and antenna design working together on the project. The goal is to have results ready within five years. The project is still in the early days, so there's no guarantee that it will be completed. Still, Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is apparently interested in the project and considers it to be a priority for Apple.

The question remains, though; why? Why go to this much effort to beam data directly to iPhones? The short and simple answer is that they want to become an ISP of sorts.

Their work on communications technology and satellites is likely being done to help mitigate their dependence on wireless carriers to administer data for them. It could also be done to link devices together without the need for traditional wireless networks. Apple may also be hoping to develop more precise location tracking to enhance existing maps and develop new and improved features.

If Apple is able to successfully deploy its own satellite network to beam data – including internet connections – to iPhones and other devices, then it could disrupt the entire carrier industry. Traditional carriers like AT&T and Comcast depend on subscription fees from smartphone data plans like the ones bought by iPhone users.

The idea of Apple becoming some kind of interstellar ISP isn't as farfetched as it might sound. The company has continuously moved to control each and every aspect of their products. It all began years ago when they started making A-series silicon chips fro iPhones and iPads rather than using other CPUs. They have also unveiled plans to create their own proprietary 5G modem to replace the Intel and Qualcomm modems they currently use.

Establishing a proprietary data delivery system allows Apple to deliver a uniform experience to all users on all devices, as well as create their own subscription-based income.