Each year, Apple refreshes its product line, from iPhones to Macs. As usual, the company is gearing up to release its next iPhones this fall. Unlike last year, however, this year's iPhone lineup seems to be on track for the usual September launch schedule.

As we head closer to the launch date, rumors are flying around on what to expect from the California tech giant. One of the most exciting rumors is the probability of a future iPhone including two new features that can help users in emergencies.

About the New iPhone Emergency Features

According to a Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman, Apple is rumored to be working on satellite communication support in its future iPhones.

Satellite communication support, once available, will reportedly enable iPhone users to enjoy two key emergency features when they need help.

The two features include Emergency Message via Satellite and a way to report calamities. The report comes hot on the heels of a report by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable source regarding unreleased products from Apple, who says the next iPhone might work with Globalstar Inc's spectrum.

The two features, if revealed, will give Garmin inReach's satellite communication device a run for its money. These will be an addition to a slew of emergency features already available on the iPhone.

Apple plans to release the new features in future iPhones, Gurman says, citing a source familiar with the matter.

It's not the first time Apple has been rumored to be working on satellite support for the iPhone. In 2019, a Bloomberg rumor claimed the company was developing satellite technology for its iPhones. At the time, Gurman reported Apple was hoping to ship satellite support within five years.

We've detailed the two new features below.

1. Emergency Message via Satellite

Ambulance driving fast

With Emergency Message via Satellite, you will be able to send texts to first responders using your iPhone over satellite. According to Bloomberg's report, Emergency Message via Satellite will also work when sending messages to your emergency contacts.

However, the feature will only act as a fallback if your area's cellular network is unavailable.

Emergency Message via Satellite will be added as a third communication protocol beside iMessage and the good old SMS protocol in the Messages app on iPhone.

Apple might also add a new color for message bubbles to go alongside blue and green for iMessage and SMS, respectively. Any messages sent via satellite will have a gray bubble.

Code-named Stewie, the feature will restrict message length. It will also automatically alert the recipient even if productivity features like Do Not Disturb mode are enabled.

It might also support phone calls in the future, the report adds. With call support, Emergency Message via Satellite would supplement the available Emergency SOS feature on iPhones.

Related: How to Use the Emergency SOS Feature on Your iPhone

2. A New Feature to Report Emergencies

Emergency SOS and Medical ID screen on iPhone 12

In addition to Emergency Message via Satellite, future iPhones might also include a way for you to report emergencies. This could consist of any significant calamity, whether a plane crash, car crash, or sinking ship.

Your iPhone will ask for different information, from general issues like the kind of emergency to specifics like whether you have sustained a severe injury or if search and rescue services are needed.

In return, your iPhone will reach out to emergency services with your provided information about the situation plus other necessary specifics, like your location. Even better, if you have a medical ID set up inside Apple's Health app, your iPhone will also provide other essential details from your profile. You may also leverage this feature to seek help from your emergency contacts, whether it's a doctor or a close family member.

Related: How to Set Up Medical ID on Your iPhone in Case of Emergencies

The iPhone Is Increasingly Becoming an Essential Device

If these two features are introduced, your iPhone will become more of an essential device than ever. As of now, nothing's official, and it appears Apple is still figuring out different aspects before preparing an official launch, if ever. For instance, the company will have to partner with strategic companies and service providers.

Apple will also need specialized hardware to make this happen. On this front, Bloomberg says the iPhone 13 might have the necessary hardware. However, it's unlikely to be on the next iPhone; a second source told Bloomberg that the features might not be ready before next year.

Besides, Apple might change features here and there or, worse, scrap the project altogether. So let's wait and see.