Apple’s event invites typically hint at new features or products users can expect, and ‘Far Out’ was a clue about a new safety feature for iPhone.
Apple’s fall event was held on Sept. 7, but the teaser sent out weeks before the keynote held a vital clue on what to expect. The annual event serves as a showcase of Apple’s new products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple released four iPhones and three new Apple Watches at the event, alongside a new AirPods Pro model.
‘Far Out’ was the theme of this year’s event, and the invitation displayed the company’s logo formed by stars. The space theme led to wide speculation about what would be revealed. One guess was that the iPhone would gain advanced astrophotography capabilities, matching the functionality found on the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra. It seemed like a plausible conclusion, since stars and planets are ‘Far Out,’ and the invitation’s graphic supported that theory. However, the iPhone gained camera sensor upgrades without seeing added astrophotography features. Instead, ‘Far Out’ actually referenced another new feature.
Satellite connectivity was a huge part of Apple’s event, from critical safety features to increased GPS functionality. ‘Far Out’ was a hint that Apple would add Emergency SOS via Satellite to the iPhone 14 series, a feature that allows the smartphone to communicate directly with satellites in space. It isn’t designed for data use or everyday communications, but rather, for communicating with first responders when cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity aren’t available. Emergency SOS via Satellite works through a combination of hardware and software additions to the iPhone 14. More robust antennas can communicate directly with satellites, but only when they are pointed directly at a satellite. A new user-interface in iOS 16 helps users point the phone at the right location in the sky, enabling the feature.
‘Far Out’ Was All About Satellite Emergency Services
Apple’s ‘Far Out’ was a twofold teaser about bringing satellite connectivity to the iPhone 14 series. The first, and more obvious hint, is that satellites are ‘far out’ in space. On a deeper level, a clear priority throughout the Apple event was ensuring that many products and services work even in remote areas. It is likely that a person could need emergency assistance when they are ‘far out’ from civilization and cellular connectivity, hence the need for satellite communication.
In addition to this, Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra with support for an added GPS frequency. Most GPS devices use the L1 frequency to connect to satellites in space, but this frequency can fail when it is obstructed by deep forests or dense metropolitan areas. To combat this, Apple added a second frequency — L5 — that can better connect with satellites in these conditions. When someone is ‘far out’ and needs help, these satellite safety features are there for them, and that’s what Apple was hinting at in its event invite.
Source: Apple
