In a surprising move within the telecommunications industry, Apple is reportedly conducting clandestine tests for direct satellite connectivity on its devices in collaboration with Starlink and T-Mobile. This initiative involves integrating Starlink’s satellite network into Apple’s iPhones, specifically leveraging the most recent software update. This update allows select T-Mobile users to establish a direct satellite connection, extending connectivity to areas without cellular networks.
This collaboration marks a departure from T-Mobile’s prior collaborations, which primarily involved testing with Samsung devices. Now, Apple appears to be crucially involved in testing, focusing initially on select optimized smartphones. The full deployment phase aims to support the majority of modern smartphones, as stated in a recent alert to beta users. The alert communicated: “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”
Interestingly, the system is designed for seamless connectivity whenever an iPhone on the T-Mobile network loses terrestrial signal. The software autonomously connects to Starlink satellites, ensuring users remain connected even when devices are idle. In a related tweet, SpaceX’s Elon Musk highlighted the capabilities of the current Starlink constellation, capable of supporting medium resolution images, music, and podcasts. Future constellations are expected to enhance services to support video.
This pioneering effort comes shortly after the US Federal Communications Commission’s approval of a license for T-Mobile and SpaceX in November. This license allows these companies to extend coverage to remote areas, effectively eliminating network “dead zones.” Such measures align with FCC’s broader strategy to encourage partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators, fostering competitive growth and reducing connectivity voids.
Nevertheless, the partnership between Apple and SpaceX introduces questions regarding Apple’s existing collaboration with satellite company Globalstar. In 2022, this partnership enabled iPhone 14 users to send emergency texts via satellite, free of charge. The evolution and success of tests with SpaceX might influence Apple’s future relationship with Globalstar.