iPhone 13

Apple is reportedly working on satellite features for the iPhone, but they probably won’t launch in 2021

A hand holding an iPhone 12 Pro Max with the rear camera array shown

Over the weekend, legendary analyst Ming-Chi Kuo put forth a new research note that aimed to shed some light on upcoming iPhone features. In that note, Kuo said that Apple was working on bringing some satellite features to the iPhone lineup. Specifically, satellite calling, and that the feature would arrive along with the "iPhone 13" lineup this year.

iPhone 13 may support satellite calls (provided Apple doesn’t disable this in software)

According to a revered Apple analyst, the next iPhone tentatively named “iPhone 13” will include a new chip allowing it to support satellite communications. It's unclear, however, if the next iPhone will let you make satellite calls via services like StarLink. For all it's worth, Apple could be simply future-proofing iPhone 13 until software support for satellite calling is in place.

‘iPhone 13’ name leaks out on alleged packaging of the upcoming device

Over the course of many years, one thing that seemed pretty easy to speculate was the name of the next iPhone. Even when Apple was using the "S" brand for its smartphone lineup. Things got a bit interesting when Apple went with "iPhone X" and then "iPhone XS" to then go with "iPhone 11" and opt for "iPhone 12" immediately after that. And apparently a lot of people out there think Apple should go with "iPhone 12S" this year, rather than "iPhone 13."

iPhone 13 said to start preorders on September 17, launch on September 24

A gold iPhone 12 Pro Max laid face down on a wooden table

If things pan out the way many expect, Apple is going to announce a new iPhone lineup, along with plenty of other devices, in the early part of September. Relatively soon after that, preorders will start. Then, like clockwork, the handsets will launch and people will be able to get their hands on them. First, though, the rumor mill has to keep trying to fill in the blanks.

Apple rumored to be developing new Face ID system that works with masks without relying on Apple Watch

The global landscape has changed quite a bit over the last year and some change. Masks are now common place, and that means Apple's reliance on a facial recognition biometric system for its iPhone lineup has proven slightly more tedious than it should be. However, Apple did make a workaround -- but only if you use an Apple Watch. Now, according to a new rumor, Apple's working on something a bit more straightforward.

The best MagSafe battery packs you can buy now

MagSafe, which allows for accessories of all kinds to attach to the back of supported iPhone models, is a great feature. But as is the case for all accessory-focused features, it needs support beyond Apple's. Which is good news for external battery packs.