A new report indicates that Apple’s latest iOS 18.3 is compatible with the Starlink satellite network. Some view the collaboration between Tim Cook and Elon Musk as the most significant tech partnership in recent months.
“Apple Inc. has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, providing an alternative to the company’s in-house satellite-communication service”, claims Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Up until now, T-Mobile has proposed a Starlink satellite option for emergency messages outside of regular cellular range; however, this was only available for Samsung phones. In contrast, Apple’s Emergency SOS utilised the Globalstar network.
All of this is now set to change thanks to the covert ‘extra’ addition to the new iOS 18.3 update. According to Forbes, Musk and Cook have been engaged in discussions regarding a potential collaboration for the satellite service since 2022.
Apple has partnered with SpaceX & T-Mobile to bring Starlink support to the iPhone! 📡
— Brandon Butch (@BrandonButch) January 29, 2025
Support was just added in the latest iOS 18.3 update pic.twitter.com/jBEwtXkBtQ
“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”, reads the message sent by T-Mobile to a small number of testers.
In a tweet on X, Elon Musk clarified which functions exactly are already available through the new service.
Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025
Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video. https://t.co/yfDPbkgSJH
According to Mark Gurman, those who have access to the new service should find a new toggle switch in their iPhone cellular data settings, which allows them to manage the satellite feature.
Currently, only iPhones in the U.S. will have access to Starlink connectivity, which is reported to be available solely for iPhone 14 models and later. However, T-Mobile has indicated that the eventual full launch will support most modern smartphones. Beta testing has reportedly also been opened to some Android users running Android 15.
