Asian Tech Press (Aug 30) -- Top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that iPhone 13 may support low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications.

The iPhone 13 hardware specifications can support LEO satellite communications, according to a new research report by Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Tianfeng Securities Co., Ltd.

According to Kuo, if Apple enables the relevant software features, users will be able to talk and communicate via satellite communications when they are not in the coverage of 4G and 5G mobile networks.

In terms of technology and service coverage, Kuo believes Globalstar Inc (GSAT: NYSEAmerican) is the most likely LEO satellite service provider to work with Apple Inc.

It is reported that, in terms of hardware, the new iPhone 13 feature is realized thanks to the customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip that supports satellite communications.

Other smartphone manufacturers, who want to provide models supporting satellite communications, need to wait until 2022 to adopt the X65 baseband chip.