Apps & Updates

Apple’s iOS 18.3 Update Brings Starlink Satellite Access to iPhones

32
Apple iPhone Display Hero

Apple’s iOS 18.3 update has introduced a major surprise—support for Starlink satellite connectivity, giving iPhones a new way to stay connected beyond traditional cellular networks.

A Secret Partnership with SpaceX

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been quietly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to enable Starlink satellite messaging on iPhones.

Previously, Apple relied on Globalstar for its Emergency SOS feature, while T-Mobile offered Starlink messaging only for Samsung users.

Now, a small number of iPhones on the T-Mobile network have been included in a beta test, receiving messages confirming their ability to text via satellite from virtually anywhere. A new toggle switch in iPhone settings lets users manage this feature.

Why This Is a ‘Game Changer’

Unlike Apple’s existing satellite service, which requires pointing the iPhone at the sky, Starlink works straight from your pocket.

Elon Musk confirmed that medium-resolution images, music, and audio podcasts will work with the current Starlink system, with video support coming in the future.

Who Can Use It?

For now, only iPhones in the U.S. from the iPhone 14 series and newer are included in the beta. T-Mobile plans to expand the program in February and eventually roll out data and voice call support.

This Apple-SpaceX partnership could redefine mobile connectivity, offering iPhone users a seamless backup connection when they’re out of cellular range.

Written by
Sazid Kabir

I've loved music and writing all my life. That's why I started this blog. In my spare time, I make music and run this blog for fellow music fans.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Google Photos
Apps & Updates

Google Pauses ‘Ask Photos’ AI Tool to Fix Speed and Quality Problems

Google has quietly paused the rollout of its AI-powered “Ask Photos” feature,...

Apple iOS 18
Apps & Updates

Apple Prepares iOS 18.6 Ahead of Major iOS 26 Announcement

Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.6, expected to be one of...

Poco X7 Pro
Apps & Updates

Xiaomi Acknowledges 90 FPS Bug in PUBG Mobile, Patch in Development

Xiaomi has confirmed it is working on a fix for a critical...

WhatsApp 1 1
Apps & Updates

WhatsApp to Add Usernames for More Privacy and Less Phone Number Sharing

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users create...