Apple introduces Starlink support for iPhones
It allows T-Mobile subscribers to connect to SpaceX’s satellite network.
Staying connected to the internet in an environment with poor network coverage has always been a challenge. With iOS 18.3, Apple has quietly introduced Starlink support for iPhones, making it possible to send messages even when your cellular networks fail.
This new development will allow T-Mobile subscribers on iPhone to connect to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, providing an alternative to Apple’s existing Globalstar-powered satellite service. This innovation is reliant on Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) service which was approved last year by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Unlike traditional satellite connectivity which often requires massive external hardware, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) technology makes it possible for smartphones to connect directly to satellites as if they were cell towers in space.
Interestingly, Samsung users got a taste of Starlink connectivity before iPhone users. Back in December 2024, T-Mobile enabled Starlink beta access for Samsung models like the Z Fold and S24 —although this was not activated until early this year— but iPhones were left out. Now, with iOS 18.3, Apple is catching up.
Louis Eriakha
You may be wondering why the iPhone doesn't just use its Globalstar satellite. The gag is, unlike Apple’s Globalstar service which will require you to manually align your iPhone with a satellite, Starlink’s D2C technology automatically connects to satellites in the background. You won't need to point your phone to the sky and make silly adjustments to get a connection.
For now, the Starlink beta remains limited to a small number of users in the U.S., and it’s free during this testing phase. However, as the program expands, we can expect more users to gain access, with potential future support for voice calls and data transmission.
This is a big win for iPhone users, and an even bigger win for SpaceX, as the Federal Communications Commission testing approval has paved the way for IoT (Internet of Things) device testing, which is reported to commence anytime soon.
