In brief: Apple has been secretly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet into the latest iPhone software. The fruits of the partnership came to light this week with the release of iOS 18.3, which now supports connecting to SpaceX's orbiting Starlink network. Essentially, this functionality allows your iPhone to surf the web and more via satellite when cellular service is out of range.
The Starlink tie-up is an unexpected twist, since T-Mobile had previously only listed Starlink as an option for certain Samsung phones like the S24 models. Meanwhile, Apple already offered its own satellite SOS service through Globalstar that lets users send emergency texts when off the grid.
But it turns out the Cupertino tech giant had been quietly testing iPhones with Starlink connectivity. The new software update automatically enables it, with no need to manually point your phone at the sky like Apple's existing satellite feature.
A small group of T-Mobile customers received texts this week welcoming them to the "T-Mobile Starlink beta" and instructions to update for "texting via satellite from virtually anywhere." Those users now have a new toggle in cellular settings to enable the SpaceX satellite support.
The feature won't just be limited to iPhones, though. As T-Mobile told Bloomberg, while the initial test is limited to certain optimized devices, it plans to roll out broader support encompassing most current smartphone models once the full launch happens. The beta isn't only for iPhones, either – select Android 15 users are also getting in on the satellite action.
For now, Starlink on iPhone is limited to texting and available exclusively in the US. But T-Mobile and SpaceX are working to expand it to data connections and voice calls down the line, with potential global expansion as well.
The new satellite capabilities are aimed at letting people stay connected in remote areas without cellular towers, such as hiking trails and rural locations. You can't use it in places with normal mobile service, though – it's meant for true off-grid situations.
Behind the scenes, when an iPhone loses cellular signal, it will automatically try linking to SpaceX's Starlink satellites orbiting overhead. Users can then toggle between Starlink and Globalstar satellite options, or use Apple's Emergency SOS if needed.
T-Mobile has already updated its website with details on the Starlink beta for iPhones. But the initial testing pool is tiny and a broader rollout is not expected until next month.