Apple introduced the satellite connectivity feature with the launch of the iPhone 14 lineup back in 2022. Since then, users have had the option to communicate with emergency services in remote areas with less or no cellular connectivity. It is now being reported that Apple has expanded the functionality to allow users to communicate with friends and family with the release of iOS 18.3. A new report states that Apple has been secretly working with T-Mobile and SpaceX to add support for Starlink satellite connectivity for the iPhone, and the switch is now available with iOS 18.3.
T-Mobile and SpaceX partnered with Apple to bring extensive satellite connectivity features to the iPhone with iOS 18.3
According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple has been "secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile" to bring Starlink satellite connectivity to the iPhone. If you're not familiar, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced their partnership in 2022, and the carrier previously claimed that Starlink connectivity would be available on Samsung's new Galaxy-branded smartphones. It appears that the company is now also adding the iPhone to the list.
The report claims that T-Mobile is making room for only a small number of iPhone users to test the Starlink satellite service. Take note that the new functionality is still in its beta phase, which means that there could be some underlying bugs and stutters, which will be addressed in the subsequent builds. While Apple did not mention anything of the sort in its changelog, the new feature is tied to iOS 18.3, which was released earlier this week to the general public.
To the lucky few users who received the update, T-Mobile says: “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.” The carrier confirmed the Starlink satellite service for the iPhone in a new support document.
As of right now, the T-Mobile and Starlink satellite connectivity only works for messages, but it would add support for clear voice calls and data in the future.
Here’s how it will work: When a T-Mobile iPhone is in an area without cellular connectivity, devices that are part of the Starlink program will first try to pair with SpaceX satellites. Users will also be able to enable texting via the satellite menu for the Globalstar service or contact emergency services through Apple.
The initial version of Starlink is exclusively for texting. But SpaceX and T-Mobile have said that they plan to expand into data connections and voice calls in the future. The program also is only available in the US for now. That contrasts with Apple’s Globalstar service, which works in several countries. SpaceX is looking to expand Starlink to other carriers globally.
Apple was previously reported to be working with GlobalStar for its satellite connectivity, and according to Bloomberg, there is a major difference between the two satellite service providers. The report claims that the current version of satellite services on the iPhone requires users to point their phones to the sky to find a satellite. However, this is not the case with Starlink, as the entire operation is automatic, even if the phone is in a user's pocket. T-Mobile states that satellite connectivity will be available to all users "sometime in 2025." We will share more details on the matter, so do stick around.
