Apple is rumored to be adding new, non-cellular satellite communications features to the upcoming iPhone 14 lineup, but experts suspect their usefulness may be limited.

Apple has yet to confirm the satellite communications feature, but the rumor mill has been running strong and while it was expected to launch with the iPhone 13 last year, the addition is now predicted to finally debut next week. Experts say most people probably won’t use satellite capabilities on a regular basis, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come in handy for some, especially in emergency situations when other options aren’t available.

"If the long-planned iPhone satellite features do arrive this generation, expect them to be focused on emergency services, such as a feature to send short texts to emergency contacts or services," Apple analyst and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman told Lifewire via direct message. "Another feature would allow users to report specific incidents, such as car accidents, plane crashes or boating accidents, from areas without cell reception."

If Apple does add satellite connectivity to the iPhone 14 lineup this year, experts say we can expect a feature that will be immensely useful in very specific situations, but not one that will change the way we use our iPhones on a day-to-day basis. “Even if the rumors are true, the ability to trigger an emergency beacon or text message alert is likely a niche use case,” Ben Wood, principal analyst at CCS Insight, told Lifewire via email. “In most cases, users have a cellular connection, so they may rely on that.”