No, Apple did not cooperate with SpaceX to put Starlink on iPhones

On By Littum

In addition to the features introduced in the latest iOS 18.3 update, rumors sprouted that iPhone functionality now includes a new addition: The capacity to connect to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

Alarm bells rang on social media and Support forums That Apple had entered into an agreement with Elon Musk-owned space company, including Tiktok videos Consulting users to avoid upgrading to iOS 18.3 or “You have Starlink right in your pocket,” but the supposed Apple and SpaceX partnership wasn’t true.

Instead, iOS 18.3 updates simply allow iPhone owners to take advantage of another partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX, where the carrier’s customers will be able to utilize the latter satellite network to connect when they do not have a cell signal.

In December, T-Mobile announced that its customers could start signing up for a beta program to test connection through Starlink satellites in “The beginning of 2025.” After this timeline, it makes sense that Apple would introduce this functionality to iPhones right now.

An updated Apple Support page Clear further how iPhone users can now selectively beat or from satellite connection through their carrier. Just go to Settings> Cellular> Your Carrier or Phone Number And turn off satellite (if not visible, your carrier does not provide this service or does not deliver it to your plan).

Owners of iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 phones can still access emergencies and social sms through Apple’s own satellite service using Globalstar’s network of satellites. It can also be used with an airline’s satellite services.

With its upcoming beta test, T-Mobile is ahead of the carrier race to provide satellite connection to its customers. Being able to keep in touch via social or emergency messages beyond the range of mobile networks has been a differentiate for iPhones for years and is likely to be some airlines as a value -added to their services over their rivals. How much satellite connection that costs is not ready, but like 5G it is the next limit to extend the coverage.

AT&T and Verizon have both worked with AST SPACEMOBILE for satellite connection, though that company Received just Federal Communications Commission approval To use its initial five commercial satellites to provide cellular broadband functions to start testing on phones with both carriers in this case. Neither AST SPACEMOBILE nor these carriers have provided a timeline for when this satellite service will be delivered to customers.

Verizon also joined the satellite network company Skylo back in August to supplement its non-terrestrial network customer coverage. Plus, Verizon still has a partnership with Amazon’s project Kuiper, dating back to 2021, which can still provide backhaul coverage for its cellular network and other possible future work (the beginning satellite company launched its first two test atellites back in October).

See this: In-depth hands-on: I tried Google’s Pixel 9 Satellite SOS