Cooperation Starlink and the mobile operator T-Mobile has suddenly spread to the iPhone. Apple has silently added support for Elon Musk’s satellite communication in iOS 18.3.
The latest version of Apple’s software from 27 supports Starlink, which is available to T-Mobile subscribers. The carrier has enabled a small number of iPhones as part of a beta test of this satellite service. As a reminder, Apple already supports a similar service called Globalstar, which allows users to send text messages and contact emergency services when they are out of cellular coverage. Previously, Starlink was available only on a few Android phones, including Samsung.
Elon Musk confirmed the surprise and noted that Starlink is already capable of offering image, music, and podcasts. In the next generation of the technology, Musk promises to support video «medium-resolution video». However, in the test version, currently only text messages work. SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to add voice calls and data in the future.
Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.
Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video. https://t.co/yfDPbkgSJH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025
Reviewers say it’s no longer necessary to point your iPhone straight at the sky, as with Globalstar. T-Mobile notes: «Now you can stay in touch via text message via satellite from virtually anywhere». As it is clear, Starlink on iPhone is currently available only in the US to those subscribers who have enabled beta testing.
Source: Bloomberg
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