Apple Secretly Working on Satellites for Beaming Data to Devices

Citing people familiar with the matter, a new report by Bloomberg is claiming that Apple has “a secret team” working on satellites and related wireless technologies to find new ways for beaming data, such as internet connectivity, directly to its devices.

While it remains unclear if Apple intends to develop a satellite constellation itself or simply harness on-the-ground equipment, the company’s work on communications satellites suggests the aim is primarily to beam data to a user’s device, potentially for linking devices together without a traditional network.

It is also believed that the Cupertino tech-giant could simply be exploring satellites for more precise location tracking for its devices:

“The iPhone maker has about a dozen engineers from the aerospace, satellite and antenna design industries working on the project with the goal of deploying their results within five years, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal company efforts. Work on the project is still early and could be abandoned, the people said, and a clear direction and use for satellites hasn’t been finalized.”

The report also notes that Apple has started hiring new software and hardware experts for the team, seeking engineers with experience in designing components for communications equipment.