It appears Apple might be attempting to diversify its phone coverage. According to Bloomberg, the tech giant has been secretly in talks with SpaceX and T-Mobile US to bring Starlink’s satellite network into the mix. Instead of only relying on its own satellite communication service, Apple seems to be exploring a partnership with Elon Musk’s telecom venture. If the deal goes through, it could mean better connectivity for Apple users, especially in remote areas.
The project is currently in the testing phase, with Starlink’s cell network running on a trial basis. It received a green light from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) back in November. For now, the trial only supports “text via satellite,” but T-Mobile says voice and data features are coming down the line. However, Bloomberg suggests that the smartphone’s “under-the-radar” latest software update, released on Monday (Jan. 27), now supports the technology.
Musk, who also owns X, confirmed on the platform: “Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.
“Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video.”
Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.
Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video. https://t.co/yfDPbkgSJH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025
Can you get Starlink on an iPhone?
Apple already has a satellite deal with Globalstar, and up until now, T-Mobile only offered Starlink to Samsung users. But things seem to be shifting as T-Mobile recently started letting iPhone users tap into Starlink as part of a beta test.
T-Mobile users, who were chosen for the early access beta received a notification, which mentioned iOS 18.3 as the update that unlocked the feature: “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.”
we're taking your texts to space with the world’s largest satellite-to-cell constellation in partnership with @Starlink. T-Mobile Starlink beta is coming soon, register today at https://t.co/Ubq8mmEgo6 pic.twitter.com/xm1nhKwS5s
— T-Mobile (@TMobile) December 16, 2024
If you’re in the beta, you’ll notice a new toggle in your Settings app to manage Starlink connectivity. T-Mobile also told Bloomberg that “the vast majority of modern smartphones” will be able to use this feature soon. The telecoms network have also reportedly opened the beta to some people running Android 15, Google’s latest OS.
Right now, Starlink on iPhones is limited to just texting, but support for data and video calls is reportedly on the way. However, it’s only available in the US for now, unlike Apple’s partnership with Globalstar, which works in multiple countries. That said, unlike Globalstar, you don’t have to hold your phone up to the sky to get a signal. Starlink should even work while your phone is in your pocket.
According to Bloomberg, most of the top iPhones already support Starlink connectivity, and Apple Watch Ultra users will get in on the action later this year.
In a press release issued in December, T-Mobile’s marketing president, Mike Katz, said: “It’s a truly groundbreaking engineering breakthrough and means that we are one step closer to helping T-Mobile customers have confidence that, no matter where they are, if they can see the sky, they will be covered by T-Mobile.”
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