- While some tiktoks claim that iOS 18.3 installs Starlink on your iPhone, this is not the case
- In the United States, Starlink connectivity is only available on T-Mobile and in beta version
- iOS 18.3 does not install this connectivity, but makes a network change
iOS 18.3 is there – and unlike rumors spread over Tiktok and elsewhere, he does not install Starlink Tech by Elon Musk on your iPhone. There is therefore no reason not to obtain the last iOS update on your iPhone and to make sure you are up to date.
IOS 18.3 is a relatively minor update, which has an impact on the Apple Intelligence – allowing the functionality of the default AI and deploying certain fixes for notification summaries – and correcting several bugs. However, it makes a modification for T-Mobile customers by allowing the ranges of iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 to potentially connect to the land network powered by the operator Starlink.
It is not, However, allowing this default connection, and T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink is still in a beta version for some selected customers who choose to join it, then select to participate. Apple has no partnership with Starlink, but T-Mobile the fact, and you have to opt in several ways. Let’s decompose this in advance.
The myth: iOS 18.3 installs Starlink on your iPhone
The concern in the now viral tiktoks is that the latest version of iOS essentially adds a direct connection to Starlink to your iPhone. The main concern is that “Starlink can now work with iPhone and access it” without any official advertisement in the event of a compulsory connection.
Apple initially launched its emergency SOS via the satellite service alongside the iPhone 14 – with the support of the iPhone 15 and 16 – so that smartphones can connect to a satellite. However, it is not on by default and is only engaged when no LTE or Wi-Fi network is available.
Since then, some operators have offered satellite networks alongside a typical telephone network. T-Mobile does it, and he initially announced his partnership with Starlink in August 2022.
Apple has also updated an assistance page detailing how to deactivate satellite features powered by operators. To do this, open the settings, access cellular, select your operator and deactivate “satellite”.
Simply, however, iOS 18.3 does not install Starlink on the iPhone. Essentially, it is packed in iOS 18.3 as update of the parameters of the T-Mobile transporter network which allows connection. It is not on by default, however, and you must be selected to reach the beta version after asking for a place.
Reality: T-Mobile has a partnership with Starlink who is currently in beta and iOS 18.3 is sure to install
So no, iOS 18.3 does not add a direct line to the Starlink network – forced or not forced – as some viral tiktoks claim it. It makes changes to the network settings that allow the iPhone 14, 15 or 16 connected to T-Mobile to connect to the 1900 MHz T-Mobile spectrum, accessible via Antenna ‘Band 25’ on the iPhone to access the Starlink network .
Even for this network connection to occur, you must have an eligible T-Mobile plan, register for the beta version and be selected to participate. Then, you must be in an area where this network is supported and when a cellular network or typical Wi-Fi is not available. You will know that this is the case when you see “Sat” replacing the standard and “4G”, “5G” or “5G UW” cell bars in the upper right corner of your iPhone.
T-Mobile opened its Starlink network beta program in December 2024, and interested customers were able to register. It was first available for Android smartphones, then the iPhone capacity was deployed with iOS 18.3.
The partnership and the possibility for T-Mobile devices to connect to direct technology to Starlink cells aim to reduce dead areas and allow users to remain connected. T-Mobile is also the only cellular network in the United States to have this partnership with Starlink.
Apple’s satellite connectivity for its iPhone under the “Emergency SOS” functionality is not Starlink and is done thanks to a partnership with Globalstar.
In addition, it is also the best practice to keep your iPhone and other devices up to date, as the use of older software can make them more sensitive to safety and confidentiality problems. IOS 18.3, like most iOS updates, provides new features, but also, sometimes, corrections of critical bugs and important security fixes.
So, short of history, iOS 18.3 does not add a direct connection to Starlink to your iPhone. It simply allows an iPhone connected to T-Mobile to use this network when you are outside the traditional coverage if you have opted in the beta version and have been selected. It is also a partnership between T -Mobile and Starlink – Apple is not involved in it and it has no impact or change for Apple’s emergency SOs via satellite functionality. This service has used GlobalStar satellites since its creation.
If you are on T-Mobile and want to withdraw from the use of Starlink, open the settings of your iPhone, click Cellular, select your operator (in this case, T-Mobile) and deactivate the satellite.
