SpaceX has been secretly working with Apple for Starlink iPhone support: report
Yesterday at 11:23 PM
Apple has quietly partnered with SpaceX and T-Mobile to enhance iPhone capabilities using Starlink.
News of the update was initially reported by Bloomberg News.
The Update:
- Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile have been testing Starlink compatibility with iPhones, according to Bloomberg, citing sources reportedly familiar with the matter.
- This functionality was reportedly included in the iPhone’s latest software update, released on Monday.
- T-Mobile’s previous focus had been on Samsung devices for Starlink compatibility, such as the Z Fold and S24.
- T-Mobile has started enrolling customers for an early version of the Starlink service, with a small number of iPhones enabled for testing this week.
- Apple’s Starlink is also expected to be rolled out to the Apple Watch Ultra later this year.
- Apple has already been offering satellite communication through Globalstar for texting and emergency services outside of cellular range.
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
What they’re saying:
- Beta participants received a text message from T-Mobile 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.”
- An Apple spokesperson declined to comment, while T-Mobile mentioned that the test would “begin with select optimized smartphones” and that the full launch would “support the vast majority of modern smartphones.”
- T-Mobile has also opened the beta to some users on Android 15.
- SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
How it works:
- In areas without cellular service, T-Mobile iPhones will try to connect to SpaceX satellites as part of the Starlink program.
- Users can also manually select texting via the Globalstar service or reach emergency services through Apple’s system.
- The initial Starlink service is texting-only, with plans for data and voice in the future.
- It’s currently U.S.-exclusive, unlike Apple’s Globalstar service, which is multi-national.
- Apple’s current satellite feature requires users to point their phone skyward to find a satellite, while Starlink is designed for automatic operation, even when the phone is in a pocket.
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