In an unexpected collaboration, Apple has teamed up with SpaceX and T-Mobile US of Elon Musk to integrate the support for the Starlink satellite network in its latest iPhone operating system.
This development presents a new alternative to the existing Satellite communication service of Apple, marking a significant change in the technological landscape.
Citing familiar initiates with the situation, Bloomberg reported that the technology giants have carried out iPhones by using the Starlink service developed by Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
This integration has been discreetly included in a recent iPhone software update published earlier this week, allowing users to connect to the Starlink network.
SpaceX for iOS 18.3
This revelation is a surprise, especially since T-Mobile previously indicated that its Starlink services were exclusively available on Samsung devices, including Z Fold and S24 models.
Apple, for its part, has historically offered a satellite function powered by Globalstar Inc., which allows users to send texts and reach emergency services when they are outside the cell range.
As part of the deployment, T-Mobile invites customers to participate in an early testing of the Starlink service.
Only a selected group of iPhone users can engage with functionality.
In a declaration on the social media platform X, Musk mentioned that users can expect management of images, music and podcasts via current Starlink technology, with plans for the Video support is added in future updates.
Users of the beta program have received notifications from T-Mobile indicating: “You are in the T-Mobile Starlink Beta. You can now stay connected with SMS via satellite of practically anywhere. To start living a blanket beyond, please update to iOS 18.3. »»
Participants in the program will find a new rocking in the cellular parameters of their iPhones to manage this satellite function.
Starlink to iPhones
T-mobile confirmed to Bloomberg That beta tests will initially be limited to selecting optimized smartphones, with plans for a wider launch that will support a wide range of modern devices.
The program is not exclusive to iPhones; T-Mobile also opened beta access to users performing Android 15, the latest version of the Google operating system. Meanwhile, SpaceX has not yet commentary on the issue.
The announcement had an impact on the market, Globalstar’s actions fell by around 11% in pre-commercial exchanges on Wednesday.
Speculations on Apple potentially explore partnerships with alternative satellite networks has been circulating since he collaborated with Globalstar in 2022.
Musk himself hinted positive discussions with Apple concerning Starlink connectivity shortly after this announcement.
The service mechanism is quite simple. If an iPhone equipped with T-Mobile is in an area with a cellular service, it will try to connect with the satellites used by the Starlink program of SpaceX.
Users will also have the possibility of switching to SMS based on satellites via Globalstar or reaching emergency services via the Apple system.
Although the initial offer focuses only on SMS, SpaceX and T-Mobile capacities intend to develop in data connections and voice calls in the future.
For the moment, however, access to the service is limited to users in the United States, by differentiating it from the existing globalstar service of Apple, which operates in several countries. SpaceX aims to extend Starlink connectivity to other telecommunications suppliers worldwide.
