Apple plans to bring satellite connections to its smartwatch in 2025 and is ramping up work on a blood-pressure feature, seeking to entice hikers and health-conscience consumers into upgrading their devices.

The satellite capability is slated to come to next year’s Apple Watch Ultra, the company’s top-of-the-line model, according to people familiar with the matter. The technology will let smartwatch users send off-the-grid text messages via Globalstar Inc.’s fleet of satellites when they don’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

Apple & Globalstar have extended their partnership over the years. And recently it took a 20% stake in Globalstar. Apple first launched a satellite communication feature with the iPhone 14 in 2022. It lets users stay in contact with emergency services while off the grid. The capability was expanded last year to allow for contact with roadside assistance providers. And this year Apple upgraded the feature again to let people use it to text anyone via iMessage.

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The technology would extend one of Apple’s biggest efforts under Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook: bolstering the health and safety features of its products. The company has increasingly marketed its watch and phone as lifesaving devices, and the latest capabilities would strengthen its case.

Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts would have still had to carry their iPhone 14, 15 or 16 to use the technology. Now they’ll only need their watch.

The Apple Watch Ultra would be the first mainstream smartwatch with satellite abilities. The move also could give consumers less reason to use a standalone satellite communication device, such as Garmin Ltd.’s inReach.