Apple has expanded its satellite connectivity capabilities with the release of iOS 18.3, allowing select iPhone users to access Starlink satellite services through T-Mobile. Previously, Apple’s satellite features were powered exclusively by Globalstar, but a new partnership with SpaceX and T-Mobile is enabling users to send text messages via Starlink when outside cellular coverage.
T-Mobile has begun testing the service with a limited number of iPhones, marking a significant step toward broader satellite connectivity for Apple devices. Unlike Apple’s existing Globalstar service, which requires users to point their iPhones toward the sky, Starlink connectivity is designed to work automatically—even when the phone is in a pocket.
Currently, the service only supports texting, but T-Mobile and SpaceX plan to introduce voice and data capabilities in the future. While the Starlink iPhone beta is currently limited to the U.S., SpaceX aims to expand its satellite services to other carriers worldwide. T-Mobile expects to roll out Starlink connectivity to all eligible customers by 2025.
