Apple will be launching the much anticipated iPhone 14 series this week. In most countries, the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Max will be readily available after launch. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available on September 16 if specific reports are to be believed.
In India, the iPhones will undoubtedly come a little later than most of the world. However, the new iPhone 14 series will have to disable one significant new feature, specifically the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max have a satellite connectivity feature that allows users to directly connect to an overhead satellite and act as a satellite phone. Although Apple will not allow users to use the internet or place long and proper calls using this connectivity, it will enable users to send out distress messages during emergencies when they are in an area with no Tele connectivity from local service providers.
For this feature to work, telecommunication services providers need to partner with satellite communication providers, just like T-Mobile did with SpaceX.
In India, however, private consumers are barred by law from owning and using a satellite phone, as it would be detrimental to national security. That is why the concept of satellite phones never really took off here. Only sanctioned search and rescue teams and defense personnel can use satellite phones in certain situations. The use of this technology is heavily regulated. That is why you’ll see survival equipment that includes this technology isn’t readily available to regular consumers.
When Apple brings their iPhone 14 Pro series to India, they will have to disable the satellite connectivity feature. Now, although the hardware that facilitates this feature may be present in all the devices, the feature will be turned off either through software, by a particular switch, or both.
Moreover, even if someone manages to get their hands on a device where the feature is unlocked, they will not be able to use it in India, as service providers will not partner up with satellite communication providers.
