Apple first introduced satellite connectivity features to the iPhone with the release of the iPhone 14 in 2022. The capability allows users to communicate with emergency services when out of range of traditional cellular connectivity. iOS 18 further upgraded the functionality to let users send messages to friends and family using satellite connectivity.
Apple initially partnered with Globalstar to power these satellite connectivity features for iPhone users. Now, Bloomberg reports that Apple has also been “secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile” to add Starlink satellite connectivity to the iPhone.
T-Mobile and SpaceX announced their partnership in 2022, and T-Mobile had previously only said that phones from Samsung would support Starlink connectivity. The carrier opened beta registration for the program in December.
Bloomberg’s report says, however, that T-Mobile has recently started allowing a “small number of iPhones” to test an early version of the Starlink service. The expansion is tied to this week’s release of iOS 18.3. Apple, however, didn’t mention the change in the update’s release notes.
In a message sent to select users, T-Mobile said: “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.” T-Mobile also updated its support website this week to confirm that its Starlink satellite service now supports iPhones.
T-Mobile’s current implementation of Starlink connectivity works for texting, but the two companies plan to expand functionality to include data and voice calls 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.
Bloomberg points out another key difference between Globalstar and Starlink satellite connectivity:
There’s another major difference between the two services. The current Apple feature requires users to point their iPhone to the sky to find a satellite. The Starlink option, meanwhile, is designed to work automatically — even when the phone is in a customer’s pocket.
T-Mobile says it expects to launch Starlink connectivity to everyone “sometime in 2025.” T-Mobile customers can sign up for the beta on the carrier’s website.
My favorite iPhone 16 accessories:
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
