Apple seems to work on a satellite meteorological update function for iPhones, according to the evidence found in the beta version of the iOS 26 developer.
Functionality, discovered in the beta developer by MacworldAllows iPhones to download weather forecasts via the satellite. Apple did not mention the tool during its Keynote WWDC 2025, but it is in the IOS 26 code base and intended for users in distant environments.
When iOS 26 will arrive later in 2025, the supported iPhones will allow users to receive “weather updates via satellite” if access to the standard network is not available. As Apple’s existing SOS functionality, users will have to target their device on the sky to connect to a satellite.
Once connected, the iPhone will attract update weather data and all alerts relevant to the user location. This is a practical feature will be useful for hikers, campers or climbers who depend on precise weather forecasts in signal areas.
Until now, satellite functionality on iPhone has focused on emergencies and messaging. Meteorological addition pushes it to more practical daily use.
Expansion of satellite ambitions
Apple introduced satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 in 2022, starting with emergency SOs. The service has since been credited to have helped save people in dangerous situations.
The company has gradually expanded its capacities to include satellite iMessage and location sharing. Apple has not yet confirmed if the meteorological updates by satellite will be free or are part of a paid plan.
When the SOS emergency was launched, Apple offered it for free for two years to iPhone 14 buyers, but has not described prices for long -term access or for new features such as weather. There will be prices.
Companies do not do free things for a very long time. It remains to be seen that Apple groups it in iCloud + or not. But rest assured, these satellites must earn money.
The coverage also remains geographically limited, with concentrated support in countries like the United States, Canada and certain parts of Europe. It is not clear if the new meteorological tool will extend to more regions or require more recent iPhone models to operate.
The functionality will be critical in the disaster areas where the infrastructure has collapsed. In hurricanes, forest fires or large -scale power outages, cell towers are often offline.
This leaves residents without access to basic information such as incoming storms or extreme thermal alerts. A satellite forecast system allows iPhones to provide vital meteorological updates even in the middle of an emergency.
During the Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Volunteer groups As the Navy Cajun relied on decentralized coordination and offline tools to help those who cut by floods.
With iOS 26 At a given time, iPhones can offer something beyond messaging – a way to remain informed when weather conditions change quickly, and there is little or no connectivity of wireless operators.
Liberation chronology
Apple says that iOS 26 will be launched to the public in the fall of 2025, with a public beta version available in July. More details on the compatibility of devices and the availability of features are expected closer to launch.
While Apple continues to develop its satellite capacities, the border between emergency tools and daily features begins to blur. Offline weather updates can be a small step, but it is a change to an iPhone plus resilient.
