Apple has released iOS 18.3, its latest iPhone update, with a surprise feature that adds compatibility with the Starlink satellite network. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple Inc. has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to support the technology.
The new software update allows users to send emergency messages via satellite when they are outside of cellular range. This service is an alternative to Apple’s existing in-house satellite-communication service, which uses the Globalstar network.
In a beta test, a small number of iPhones on the T-Mobile network have been enabled to work with the Starlink feature. Users can access the service by updating to iOS 18.3 and enabling it through their iPhone’s cellular data settings.
The initial version of the service is limited to texting, but SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to expand into data connections and voice calls in the future. The service will automatically connect to SpaceX satellites when an iPhone on T-Mobile is out of cellular connectivity.
Currently, only iPhones from the iPhone 14 series are compatible with this feature, and it is available only to users in the US. Apple’s move marks a significant shift in its approach to satellite communication, allowing users to access the internet from anywhere without relying on cellular networks.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/01/29/apples-new-game-changer-iphone-update-brings-starlink-satellite-access