SpaceX and Apple Team Up: Starlink Expands to iPhones in a Game-Changing Move

29th Jan 2025
SpaceX and Apple Team Up: Starlink Expands to iPhones in a Game-Changing Move

Starlink’s growing footprint in the tech industry has just welcomed a new member: Apple. T Mobile, and later SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, confirmed the partnership, outlining that Apple will soon integrate with Starlink satellite connectivity. The addition has been reflected in the company’s recent iPhone software update.

Starlink Is Now on iPhones

In a message to its network, T Mobile stated: “you can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere.”

While Apple already offers embedded satellite-communication, the integration with Starlink will offer consumers a new alternative. Although the partnership is in its infancy, Musk took to X to confirm that “medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.”

Unpacking Apple joining forces with Starlink and T Mobile

While early reports only confirmed that T Mobile would enable Starlink connectivity with some Samsung models, it appears Apple is now in the mix. According to reports from Bloomberg, T Mobile conducted Beta tests with a select few iPhones within its network. 

In the reposted Tweet by Musk, entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, said: “Apple quietly adds Starlink to iPhones in iOS 18.3. No more pointing your phone at the sky – Starlink works right from your pocket.” 

It appears that Starlink will only provide iPhone enthusiasts text services for now, but calls and data use is reportedly on the horizon. Musk also stated that video, along with other entertainment mediums including music, will work with Starlink’s Next Generation Constellation. 

How iPhone users can access Starlink

According to Bloomberg’s reports, iPhones will feature a toggle within the cellular data settings that enables satellite connectivity. However, it seems that only the lucky few selected for the beta test will have access. In addition to iPhones, Android users will also have the choice to use the Starlink network after T Mobile included Android 15 in the testing. T Mobile is aiming to afford most contemporary mobile devices the ability to leverage Starlink once the full launch is complete. 

T Mobile’s partnership with Starlink   

On 16 December, 2024, T Mobile released a statement confirming their partnership with Starlink. After obtaining FCC approval, T Mobile said they’ll soon be able to offer greater connectivity to mobile dead zones across the US. T Mobile’s statement read: “[we] opened registration for a beta program for T-Mobile Starlink, a direct-to-cell satellite service that will help eliminate dead zones by providing coverage for the 500,000 square miles of land in the United States not covered by earth-bound cell towers.” 

The reason behind the integration is due to ground-based cellular towers failing to maintain pace with satellite-based services. Starlink has been very active over recent years, constantly proliferating the number of satellites they have in orbit. T Mobile hopes that: “by integrating satellites – basically cell towers in space – into the T-Mobile network, the Un-carrier is taking a major step forward in delivering its vision to Experience Coverage Beyond”. Prior to the release of Beta testing, T Mobile called for those interested in trying Starlink to register.    

T Mobile’s President of Marketing, Strategy and Products said: “T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the U.S. that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage.”

What Happened to Apple’s partnership with Globalstar?

Prior to Apple’s apparent connection with Starlink, the company utilised Globalstar for their satellite-communication services. Since 2022, Apple’s satellite use has extended to calls and emergencies when out of cellular range. 

Currently, reports have not confirmed how the Starlink integration will impact Apple’s partnership with Globalstar. Nevertheless, work is still underway to unlock the full potential of Starlink, but significant updates seem to be imminent. T Mobile has only opened up the connection to US users, but Starlink will seek to expand their network and include new carriers in the not too distant future. 

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