Alleged OnePlus 13 renders have recently surfaced online, but before the company’s next-gen phones launch, OnePlus’ current flagship, the OnePlus 12, could be getting a major update with its next big OS update. A closer look at the latest Android 15 Beta on the OnePlus 12 reportedly hints at a satellite-enabled version of the phone. Notably, Google has recently started rolling out Android 15 Beta 2 to several Android devices from brands like iQoo, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, Xiaomi and others.
A report from Android Authority claims that OnePlus could soon introduce a smartphone with satellite connectivity. The report quotes X (formerly Twitter) user OneNormalUsername (@1NormalUsername) as claiming that the OnePlus 12 Settings app, seen in the latest Android 15 Beta, shows a section that reads “Satellite Mobile”.
A similar line of code found in the Oppo Find N3’s Settings app, which recently appeared in the latest Android 15 beta release, also suggests a possible satellite connection. The only difference between the codes found on the OnePlus 12 and the Oppo Find N3 is the name of the company itself. The phrase “satellite mobile phone” appears in both codes, suggesting that future versions of smartphones may support satellite communications.
Note that OnePlus has not yet officially announced a satellite-enabled variant of the OnePlus 12. But if the reports are true, it’s likely that we might get the variant later this year. The satellite phone may also launch outside of China. Currently, no Android smartphone outside of China supports satellite connectivity.
With the latest version of Android 15, Google has confirmed that the new update will support satellite connectivity, which can help users send or receive SMS and MMS in areas outside of terrestrial network coverage.
Recently, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra debuted in China with the Satellite Edition alongside the Oppo Find X7.
