Apple iPhone 14 Pro may not launch in India if it has satellite calling feature

There's already a lot of excitement around this year's iPhones, especially the Pro models. Now, this is clearly because Apple is expected to offer big upgrades with the iPhone 14 Pro models, which the base models -- iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max - may miss. One of these features is rumoured to be satellite calling and texting and if the iPhone 14 Pro does have it, it puts the phone's launch in India in question.

But before we talk about what could be the objection of the Indian government to the possible iPhone 14 Pro feature, a quick look at the relevant rumours: One of the biggest upgrades for the iPhone 14 series is said to be in the design bit. The iPhone 14 Pro models are tipped to ditch the wide notch and offer a pill-shaped design and offer a bigger screen space. Another feature that the Pro models are tipped to get is satellite communication.

Now, that's the feature that iPhone 13 was supposed to get initially but didn't in the end. Fresh reports suggest that the iPhone 14 Pro will be the first phone from Apple to offer satellite communication feature, which will allow users to send emergency messages to concerned authorities in areas with no cellular service.

Popular analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, recently, said that Apple has "completed the hardware development" of the satellite communication feature on the iPhone 14. The analyst also recalled that the actual hardware development of the feature was completed for the iPhone 13 but the final implementation will happen on the iPhone 14. Kuo also highlighted that Apple has partnered with Globalstar for the satellite functionality inside the iPhone.

iPhone 14 Pro satellite connectivity

Now, Apple hasn't revealed any details about satellite communication feature coming to the iPhone 14 Pro yet. But, what we do know is that if Apple offers satellite connectivity on the upcoming iPhone, the company may face some issues launching the device in India. This is because it is "unauthorised/illegal" to use satellite phones in India without explicit approval and permission. The government of India, under Section 6 of Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of Indian Telegraph Act, has banned the usage of Thuraya/Irridium satellite phones in the country.

It is not that satellite phones cannot be brought to India or used privately. They can be. But the users need to seek approval from the government for it. Here is what the Department of Telecom website says on the matter of satellite phones in India:

"Satellite phones are permitted:

(i) With specific permission/ NOC from Department of Telecommunications, Government of India; or

(ii) As provisioned by M/s BSNL in accordance with license granted to M/s BSNL for provision and operation of satellite based service using Gateway installed in India."

India's rules around direct satellite connectivity are also the reasons why Elon Musk-led SpaceX faced a roadblock in launching its Starlink satellite broadband services in the country. In fact, the government of India warned Indians to not buy Starlink Internet Services as it is not yet licensed in the country. Starlink has currently halted the pre-bookings and figuring out ways to launch its satellite broadband services in India.

So, what does it mean for the iPhone 14 Pro in India, that is if the phone indeed has satellite connectivity? Three scenarios:

1- Apple launches the iPhone 14 Pro in India after getting the required permissions from the government. Though, it is not clear if the government will carve out an exception for iPhone without modifying the existing rules around satellite communication in the country.

2- Apple launches the iPhone 14 Pro by disabling the satellite calling and messaging feature.

3- Apple doesn't launch the iPhone 14 Pro in India.

Chances are that if the iPhone 14 Pro indeed has satellite connectivity, Apple will probably use the second option. Apple has done something similar with its ECG feature on Apple Watch. To recall, the company initially didn't offer the ECG feature on Apple Watches in India. Now, it is available.

Incidentally, if the iPhone 14 Pro India launch may run into regulatory issues, it won't be the first time for a phone to face such troubles here. To recall, something very similar happened with Google's Pixel 4 series, which never made it to the Indian market. And the reason behind Google not launching the Pixel 4 series in India, according to the company, was the Soli radar chip inside the phone. The chip used 60Ghz spectrum for communication, and it wasn't allowed commercially in India.