Key Points:
• Apple has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add Starlink satellite connectivity to the iPhone.
• T-Mobile has started allowing a small number of iPhones to test an early version of the Starlink service, tied to the release of iOS 18.3.
• The initial version of Starlink is exclusively for texting, but plans to expand to data and voice calls in the future.
Apple’s satellite connectivity features have been making waves since the release of the iPhone 14 in 2022. Initially, the capability allowed users to communicate with emergency services when out of range of traditional cellular connectivity. With the release of iOS 18, users could also send messages to friends and family using satellite connectivity. Apple partnered with Globalstar to power these features, but it seems they’ve been working on something new behind the scenes.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add Starlink satellite connectivity to the iPhone. This is a significant development, as T-Mobile had previously only said that phones from Samsung would support Starlink connectivity. The carrier opened beta registration for the program in December, and it seems that a small number of iPhones have been testing an early version of the service.
The expansion is tied to the release of iOS 18.3, but Apple didn’t mention the change in the update’s release notes. Instead, T-Mobile sent a message to select users saying, "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 to confirm that its Starlink satellite service now supports iPhones.
The initial version of Starlink is exclusively for texting, but the two companies plan to expand functionality to include data and voice calls in the future. When a T-Mobile iPhone is in an area without cellular connectivity, devices 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.
One key difference between Globalstar and Starlink satellite connectivity is that Starlink is designed to work automatically, even when the phone is in a customer’s pocket. This is a significant improvement over the current Apple feature, which requires users to point their iPhone to the sky to find a satellite.
T-Mobile expects to launch Starlink connectivity to everyone "sometime in 2025." Customers can sign up for the beta on the carrier’s website. If you’re interested in trying out Starlink, make sure to update your iPhone to iOS 18.3 and register for the beta. Who knows, you might be one of the first to experience the future of satellite connectivity on your iPhone!
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