Qualcomm has unveiled Snapdragon Satellite, a data transmission feature designed to connect smartphones directly to satellites. The feature is associated with devices that use the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform and has been contrasted with Apple’s implementation in the iPhone 14 series. According to industry coverage, Android devices equipped with the latest Qualcomm silicon can receive data from satellites, while Apple products rely on a different system. The satellite link is expected to be available worldwide via a network of satellites operated by Iridium, enabling users to exchange SMS messages or engage in chat through instant messaging apps even when cellular networks are absent.
Industry analysis notes that Iridium’s constellation has been operational for about two decades, delivering basic data services that meet the stated use cases. Snapdragon Satellite is planned to roll out in select markets starting in the latter half of 2023, expanding reach as manufacturing and software support align with carrier and hardware ecosystems. In parallel, Google announced that Android 14 would support satellite communications using SpaceX satellite capabilities and T-Mobile technology, signaling a broader Android trend toward near-global messaging under challenging coverage conditions.
Apple’s approach with the iPhone 14 family uses a different satellite partner, Globalstar, to provide an emergency SOS capability that helps users request assistance in locations lacking cellular or Wi-Fi access. The shift toward satellite-connected features reflects growing expectations for persistent connectivity in remote areas, with multiple ecosystem players exploring complementary methods to keep users connected when traditional networks fall short.