China’s BeiDou Satellite System Comes Down to Earth

On Sept. 6, the day before Apple’s annual iPhone-centric event, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. launched its new flagship smartphone, Mate 60 Pro, pitching it as the world’s first smartphone with a satellite calling feature.

Apple’s iPhones can send only text messages to emergency services via satellite when in remote areas without cellular service and can't make calls. Huawei’s new phone enables satellite-supported two-way text message conversations and can make satellite calls.