Apple is working on a wider set of satellite capabilities for the iPhone, according to the latest edition of Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter.

The company already offers satellite-based emergency calling and basic texting. It launched Messages via Satellite last year, letting users send and receive texts when they are out of cellular coverage. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple wants to expand that feature set to include sending photos as well.

Beyond messaging, Apple is said to be planning support for 5G NTN. That standard allows terrestrial mobile networks to be extended by routing traffic through satellites. Apple is also reportedly preparing satellite connectivity for Apple Maps, which would allow directions to load when users are in remote locations without any cellular or Wi Fi service.

Apple is also exploring what Gurman calls more natural usage. One goal is to maintain a satellite link without requiring users to point the iPhone toward the sky. The idea is to keep a connection even with an obstructed view, such as when the person is indoors. Gurman also says Apple is working on an API so that third party developers can build app features that rely on satellite connectivity.

There is no timeframe for when the new satellite functions could ship. Apple previously waited about two years between the launch of Emergency SOS via Satellite in 2022 and the arrival of Messages via Satellite with iOS 18.