Apple and SpaceX Collaborate on iOS 18.3, Bringing Starlink to iPhones

In a surprising move, Apple has joined forces with T-Mobile US and Elon Musk’s SpaceX to incorporate functionality for the Starlink satellite network into its most recent iPhone operating system.

A major change in the IT industry is being brought about by this invention, which offers a fresh substitute for Apple’s current satellite connection service.

Using the Starlink service created by Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp., the tech titans have been testing iPhones, according to Bloomberg, which cited people with knowledge of the matter.

A recent iPhone software update that was made available earlier this week subtly added this connectivity, allowing users to connect to the Starlink network.

iOS 18.3’s SpaceX

T-Mobile has previously stated that its Starlink services were only accessible on Samsung devices, such as the Z Fold and S24 models, so this news is surprising.

For its part, Apple has long provided a satellite service run by Globalstar Inc. that enables customers to contact emergency services and send texts while they are outside of cellular coverage.

T-Mobile is inviting users to take part in an early testing phase of the Starlink service as part of the rollout.

The capability is only available to a limited number of iPhone users.

Musk said in a statement posted on the social media site X that current Starlink technology will support podcasts, pictures, and music, with plans to add video capabilities in later releases.

Users in the beta program received notifications from T-Mobile stating, “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.”

To control this satellite feature, program participants will discover a new toggle in their iPhones’ cellular settings.

iPhones and Starlink

With intentions for a wider launch that would support a variety of contemporary devices, T-Mobile acknowledged to Bloomberg that the beta testing will initially be restricted to a small number of specialized smartphones.

T-Mobile has extended beta access to customers using Android 15, the most recent version of Google’s operating system, so the program is not exclusive for iPhone owners. SpaceX, however, has not yet commented on the situation.

As a result of the announcement, Globalstar’s stock fell over 11% during Wednesday’s premarket trade.

Since its 2022 agreement with Globalstar, there have been rumors that Apple may look into forming alliances with other satellite networks.

Shortly after this statement, Musk himself alluded to fruitful talks with Apple over Starlink connectivity.

The service operates on a very simple process. An iPhone with T-Mobile will try to connect to the satellites used by SpaceX’s Starlink program if it is in a location without cellular service.

Additionally, users will be able to use Apple’s system to contact emergency services or Globalstar to switch to satellite-based texting.

Both SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to eventually expand into broadband connections and phone calls, even if the initial offering only concentrates on texting capabilities.

However, the service is currently only available to US consumers, which sets it apart from Apple’s current Globalstar service, which is available in several nations. SpaceX wants to make Starlink available to other telecom companies around the world.

Article Link: interestingengineering.com