Updated on February 1 with more details on the new service, how it will work and where it will lead.
Apple has just published iOS 18.3, its latest iPhone update (all the details here) and the software contained an additional surprise: compatibility with the Starlink satellite network, according to a new report. And more details show how the system will work and exactly what is different from existing services – with a very cool change, which means that you no longer point your phone to the sky to connect to the satellite. In addition, it should be noted that this is one of the most notable technological links in recent months, and certainly the biggest this year.
Some Apple iPhones now have access to the Starlink satellite network.
“Apple Inc. secretly worked with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, offering an alternative to the company’s internal satellite communication service”, according to Bloomberg Mark Gurman.
This makes all the more remarkable since the work was done “secretly”, as the last report says. Gurman describes the software update that supports technology as a “decision under the radar” and the link between businesses as “a surprise”.
While T-Mobile already had a Starlink satellite option so that users could send emergency messages outside the cell range, it was for Samsung phones only. And Apple’s emergency SOS via the satellite service used the global rival global network.
An article on X by Mario Nawfal, founder of IBC Group, described the update as a “game changer”, saying “Apple adds Starlink to iphones in iOS 18.3 quietly”. Since Apple already has its globalstar service, why does it change games?
Well, as Nawfal says, “The main difference?” No more scoring of your phone on the sky – Starlink works directly from your pocket.
“T-mobile to beta testers:” You can now stay connected with SMS via satellite of almost anywhere. ” Although it is only in text for the moment, SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to add voice calls and data in the future. The Cellular space race has become interesting, ”they continued.
Nawfal’s commentary was republished by Elon Musk, who said that “average resolution images, music and audio podcasts should work with the current Starlink generation constellation directly on the phone. The new generation constellation will make an average resolution video. »»
A small number of iphones on the T-Mobile network was able to operate as a beta test, receiving messages saying: “You are in the Starlink T-Mobile 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. »»
T-Mobile said that the test will start “with selected optimized smartphones” but that the full launch will support the vast majority of modern smartphones, and that it had opened the beta version to certain Android phones using the last software , Android 15.
Apple’s transition to the management of other satellite networks beyond Globalstar was often suggested, Elon Musk saying that he had had conversations with Apple on the involvement of Starlink in 2022.
The system will operate so that when a T-Mobile phone is part of the Starlink program is outside cell connectivity, it will “try to associate with SpaceX satellites. Users will also be able to activate SMS via the satellite menu for the GlobalStar service or contact emergency services via Apple, ”according to the report.
“Program users have a new rocking switch in their iPhone cellular data settings to manage the satellite function,” explains Gurman.
The first version is just for SMS, but SpaceX and T-Mobile say they intend to develop in data connections and vocal calls in due course. The service will operate automatically, with an iPhone on T-Mobile connecting to SpaceX satellites when they are out of cell connectivity. Currently, the number of iphones in the beta version is “minimal, with T-Mobile which plans to extend the program in February,” adds Gurman.
The carrier said it will finally be available with most smartphones, not just iPhones, although it will also require compatible software such as iOS 18.3 or Android 15.
Since Apple has launched his service, there have been several indications of the way he saved lives – perhaps one of the reasons why Apple has extended the time that the service would be available free of charge. Thus, the addition of service providers in due time would add to the efficiency of the functionality. Currently, you must be on T-Mobile and part of the beta program.
It should be noted that, as experiences like this grow up, people could finally ask if they need land networks-one day will we all simply use Starlink or Rival as a service providers? For the moment, the FCC has rules in place for suppliers of regular networks, and do not forget that satellite connections require a line of view to the sky, so is designed when you go out out of network.
For the moment, you must be in the United States to be able to have this connectivity and apply on the combines of the iPhone 14. And, of course, it is limited to a beta program for the moment.
