Apple's New Money-Making iPhone Feature the Next Big Innovation?

In iOS 18, Apple is introducing a new feature called "messages via satellite" for iPhone 14 and later models.

This functionality will allow users to send and receive messages, emojis, and tapbacks with end-to-end encryption, even when they are off the grid and without WiFi or cellular connectivity. The service will also support SMS messaging.

This expansion builds on the emergency messaging feature introduced with the iPhone 14, which allows users to contact first responders via satellite. Initially launched as a free service, Apple extended the free period for another year, indicating they might charge for it in the future.

Last week at the WWDC, Ronak Shah, Apple's head of internet-technologies product marketing, announced the non-emergency version of this satellite messaging service. Now, users can connect to satellites to stay in touch with friends and family when they are out of the range of traditional networks.

While the emergency service remains free, the non-emergency satellite messaging could become a new revenue stream for Apple. This is especially significant as the company reported a decline in iPhone sales by 10% from the previous year but saw record revenue from its services sector.

For now, this new feature might encourage owners of older iPhone models to upgrade to newer ones. If Apple decides to charge for the satellite messaging service, it could further boost its service revenue, much like its other offerings such as Apple Music, News+, and TV+.