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The internet connections we use today are broadcast through ground-based communications infrastructure, like towers scattered across each region. But as the world keeps changing, people keep pushing for new innovations — and Apple, one of the biggest tech companies out there, is now working on something a bit different: getting internet online in a whole new way. Based on this report, here’s what’s known so far about Apple’s plan to beam internet straight down to Earth from space via satellite, bypassing ground infrastructure entirely.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has formed a new division dedicated to broadcasting internet from space to Earth using satellites. The company has hired John Fenwick, former head of Google’s spacecraft division, and Michael Trela, former head of satellite engineering at Google. Both will report to Greg Duffy, co-founder of Dropcam, who will lead Apple’s space project division. It’s not yet clear exactly what Duffy’s team is building, but given Fenwick and Trela’s satellite expertise, it’s likely that Apple is indeed aiming to deliver internet from space down to Earth. Fenwick previously co-founded SkyBox Imaging, a satellite company Google acquired in 2014. Facebook and Google are also working on their own technologies to bring internet access to the whole world.
Facebook is developing a solar-powered drone to broadcast internet, while Google is building Project Loon, which uses high-altitude balloons for the same purpose. Reports also suggest Apple is collaborating with Boeing on a project to deliver internet via satellites in Earth orbit. Beyond smartphones and consumer electronics, Apple has now expanded into self-driving cars and satellite-based internet as well.