There has been a recent buzz surrounding the iOS 18.3 update, some speculating that it is referring to the direct connectivity of the iPhone to the Starlink satellites of SpaceX. Although this idea has aroused excitement, it is important to separate the facts from fiction.
After the release of the latest iPhone update, iOS 18.3, rumors circulated about a new potential feature: direct connection to the Starlink satellite network in SpaceX. But how precise is the buzz?
No, your iPhone is not suddenly a satellite phone
Social media and Support forums Brushed on an agreement between Apple and Elon Musk Spacex. Tiktok videos Even surfaced, warning users of the update of iOS 18.3, saying that it would put “Starlink in their pocket”. However, this supposed Apple-SpaceX partnership has proven to be false.
The iOS 18.3 update does not allow direct connections to the iPhone-Starlink. Instead, he opens the way to a separate collaboration between T-Mobile and SpaceX. This partnership will allow T-Mobile customers to draw on the Starlink satellite network when they are outside cell coverage.
T-Mobile, SpaceX and your iPhone
In December, T-Mobile announcement A beta program for Starlink satellite connectivity, which should start at the beginning of 2025. “T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low orbit constellation in the world associated with a terrestrial cell spectrum, which makes the phone in your pocket In the United States areas it never, and will probably never have ground cover, “said Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products, T-Mobile.
A small group of iphones on the network has received messages activating them for beta tests. The message explains that “program users have a new rocking switch in their iPhone cellular data settings to manage the satellite function”.
“ Apple Inc. secretly worked with SpaceX and T-Mobile Us Inc. to add the support of the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, offering an alternative to the internal satellite communication service of the company ” Bloomberg Mark Gurman revealed last month.
Experts weigh: is it a “game changer”?
Mark Gurman described this connection as “moving under the radar”, while Mario Nawfal, founder of IBC Group, described it as a “game changer”. By taking to X, Nawfal said: “Apple has just opened iPhone doors to the Starlink satellite network, giving users an alternative to their globalstar service for off -network communication.
🚨Game Change: Apple quietly adds Starlink to iPhones in iOS 18.3
Apple has just opened iPhone doors to the Starlink satellite network, giving users an alternative to their globalstar service for off -network communication.
The main difference?
No more pointing of your phone on the sky -… pic.twitter.com/yckstx6xs0
– Mario Nawfal (@marionawfal) January 29, 2025
“The key difference? No more scoring of your phone on the sky – Starlink works directly from your pocket. T-Mobile with 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 race for space -based cellular has become interesting.
In response to Nawfal, Musk clarified That “Music podcasts and average resolution audio should operate with the direct constellation on the phone at current generation telephony. The next generation constellation will make an average resolution video.
Apple’s satellite service
Given this chronology, it is logical for Apple to deploy the functionality of the necessary iPhone now. An Apple Updated Assistance Page Claifies How iPhone users can now activate or deactivate satellite connectivity via the parameters of their operators.
Access Settings> Cellular> your operator or telephone number. There you can activate or deactivate satellite connectivity. If you do not see the option, it means that your operator does not yet offer this service, or it is not included in your current plan.
The owners iPhone 14, 15 and 16 retain access to emergency SOs and text messaging via Apple satellite service, fueled by the Globalstar network. This feature is separate from the satellite services provided by the carrier and can be used in conjunction with them.
