Now we get the spatial references.
The iPhone just became the first consumer smartphone with satellite connectivity (at least in the US(opens in a new tab))
During Wednesday’s Apple event, the iPhone maker (opens in a new tab) announced a brand new feature alongside the new iPhone 14: Satellite Emergency SOS.
Basically, the new iPhone 14s can connect to emergency services anywhere in the world, regardless of whether there is an internet or cellular connection. Essentially, for this service to work, a user must point their iPhone at the precise location of a satellite passing overhead. As Apple explained, this would previously have required a large, bulky antenna. And, of course, humans cannot see satellites flying through space with the naked eye. But that’s where the iPhone 14 comes in. The device tells users where to point the iPhone and where to move it if necessary.
The iPhone 14 also allows users to share their location via satellite.
This feature is really for emergency situations. And Apple is aware that even with satellite connectivity, other issues can arise. But the company already has solutions to these problems.
To get messages to emergency services as quickly as possible, Apple has developed a new messaging algorithm to compress the size of messages so they can be delivered at optimal speeds. The feature also provides the user with prompts, basically a series of multiple choice questions related to the urgency the user is facing in order to send those messages quickly.
If your nearest emergency service provider doesn’t accept text messages, Apple has set up relay centers to contact those providers with the content of your message.
Despite the novelty of announcing the iPhone’s satellite capability, it wasn’t long before security issues began to surface.
“While the satellite communications capabilities of mobile devices bring many benefits, particularly for emergency services, satellites and emerging communications technologies in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are valuable targets for adversarial actors,” said Christiaan Beek, Senior Director of Threat. Research and vulnerability research for Trellix Threat Labs, in a statement to Indigo Buzz: “We saw earlier this year when actors targeting Ukraine used attacks on satellites to shut down communication channels and disrupt services across the country. »
Beek explained that as these satellite networks are increasingly implemented into everyday technology, they are increasingly being targeted by bad actors.
“The addition of millions of consumer mobile devices to these networks increases that risk,” he said. “In order for everyone to capitalize on the promise of satellite connectivity on mobile consumer devices, it is important that the industry recognizes that this is not an impenetrable silver bullet and that protecting these services requires working together. Satellite connectivity can be disrupted by nefarious actors. “
It remains to be seen how Apple’s new satellite service will pan out, but one thing is certain: it won’t be free. Apple hasn’t announced a pricing model for the feature yet, but is offering two years of free service with the purchase of a new iPhone 14. The service is expected to launch in the US and Canada in November.
UPDATE: Sept. 7, 2022 4:27 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with comments from security researcher Christiaan Beek.