United Kingdom, Nov. 10 -- Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its iPhone satellite capabilities beyond emergency services, paving the way for photo messaging, satellite-powered Maps, and third-party app integration.

According to Bloomberg, Apple's Satellite Connectivity Group (SCG) is developing an API that will let app developers build satellite functions directly into their software.

This could allow future iPhones to support real-time data exchange - such as location sharing, messaging, or even mapping - in remote areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Apple is also said to be working to make satellite use more natural and seamless.

A key upgrade, reportedly known internally as "natural usage", aims to let users stay connec...