Apple Inc. has quietly partnered with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to integrate Starlink’s satellite network into the latest iPhone software. This collaboration provides an alternative to Apple’s existing satellite communication service powered by Globalstar Inc.
The new feature became functional with the recent software update, iOS 18.3, released on Monday.
Testing the Starlink Service on iPhones
According to insiders, iPhones equipped with the Starlink service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX are undergoing testing. While T-Mobile previously highlighted Starlink compatibility with Samsung devices like the Z Fold and S24 models, this marks Apple’s entry into the collaboration.
T-Mobile has begun a limited beta program for Starlink-enabled iPhones, allowing select users to access texting capabilities via satellite. Early testers received messages stating, “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.”
