Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile have joined forces to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into iPhones through iOS 18.3. The beta testing phase has already begun in the United States, involving a select group of users.
Apple Inc. has been secretly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to enable Starlink network support on iPhones, offering an alternative to Apple’s own satellite communications service. According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the project confirm that the companies are testing iPhones with Elon Musk’s Starlink service. The latest iOS 18.3 software update, released on Monday, quietly incorporated support for the technology.
This partnership has surprised many, as T-Mobile had previously announced Starlink integration only for select Samsung devices, including the Z Fold and S24 models. Apple, on the other hand, has been using Globalstar Inc.’s satellite network, which allows users to send emergency text messages when out of cellular coverage.
T-Mobile has started inviting customers to participate in the initial Starlink service beta, activating a limited number of iPhones for testing. Elon Musk stated on X that the current Starlink technology supports images, music, and podcasts, with future updates expected to enable video streaming.
Beta testers received text messages from T-Mobile notifying them of their inclusion in the Starlink program, with instructions to update to iOS 18.3 to enable text messaging via satellite from virtually any location. A new toggle for satellite connectivity has also appeared in the iPhone’s cellular data settings.
Apple declined to comment on the development, while T-Mobile confirmed that testing will commence with “select optimized smartphones” and later expand to cover most modern devices. The beta program is also available for certain Android 15 users. SpaceX has yet to issue a formal response.
Since Apple’s partnership with Globalstar in 2022, industry speculation has persisted regarding potential collaboration with competing satellite networks. Shortly after Apple’s 2022 announcement, Musk hinted at ongoing discussions with Apple regarding Starlink integration.
The initial phase of Starlink support is limited to text messaging, but SpaceX and T-Mobile have plans to introduce data connectivity and voice calling. Currently, the service is only available in the US, unlike Apple’s Globalstar-powered service, which operates in multiple countries. SpaceX is reportedly seeking partnerships with international telecom operators to expand Starlink coverage globally.
T-Mobile recently updated its website, notifying beta testers that iPhone compatibility is included in the iOS 18.3 release. The program remains small in scale, with plans for broader expansion in February. While Apple’s iOS 18.3 announcement highlighted AI enhancements and bug fixes, it did not disclose the addition of Starlink support.
On Monday, SpaceX sought regulatory approval to commence beta testing, following the US Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) conditional approval granted in November. The FCC’s decision allows SpaceX to use its satellites to supplement T-Mobile’s network.
