iFixit has been working disassembling the new iPhone 14 models and discovered a Qualcomm X65 modem inside. However, this is insufficient to support the new Emergency SOS via satellite service provided with the latest models.
"iPhone 14 has bespoke radio frequency components and new software built completely by Apple," Apple told Reuters.
Because the iFixit deconstruction is still underway, we'll have to wait for a closer look at this bespoke hardware. It was already seen in this iPhone 14 Pro Max breakdown video.
The X65 modem is unquestionably a factor. Globalstar revealed last year that the X65 supports band n53, which was certified by the 3GPP in 2020 for use in satellite-based IoT services. In case you missed it, Apple has allocated up to 85% of the available bandwidth on Globalstar's satellite network to enable the new function.
In November of this year, a software upgrade will activate the emergency capability. This will be a beta test available solely in the United States and Canada, yet it will not be limited to North American owners (however, iPhones bought in China, Hong Kong and Macao will not work). Above 62° latitude, such as in northern Canada and Alaska, coverage may be patchy. More information about Emergency SOS may be found here.
