Highlights
- Apple is working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into iPhones.
- It will improve the satellite communication feature introduced with the iPhone 14.
- The feature is in its early beta phase and available for iPhone users running iOS 18.3.
- T-Mobile already testing it with a limited number of users.
- The collaboration currently supports text messaging via satellite only.
Apple is reportedly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring Starlink satellite connectivity to iPhones. This could improve the satellite communication feature that Apple first introduced with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, which has since been included in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models as well.
Here’s what we know about the possible collaboration as of now.
Apple’s Secret Partnership with SpaceX & T-Mobile
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple has been quietly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into iPhones. This effort likely builds on the T-Mobile and SpaceX partnership announced in 2022.
The report also reveals that T-Mobile has already begun testing the feature with a limited number of iPhone users.
Beta Testing Currently On iOS 18.3
The Starlink connectivity feature is still in its early beta phase, so it may not be fully optimised yet. However, it is already available for iPhone users running iOS 18.3, which was recently released.
In an official note about the T-Mobile Starlink beta, the carrier stated, “You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”
T-Mobile previously announced that Samsung Galaxy phones would also be getting Starlink support. The Apple collaboration only allows text messaging via satellite as of now. However, there are plans to expand support for voice calls and data in the future.
Apple was previously rumoured to be working with GlobalStar for its satellite connectivity feature. However, this new partnership suggests that Apple is expanding its collaboration with T-Mobile, which has stated that all users will get access to the feature later this year.
FAQs
Q1. What collaboration is Apple working on for satellite connectivity in iPhones?
Answer. Apple is reportedly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring Starlink satellite connectivity to iPhones, building on a partnership announced in 2022.
Q2. What is the current status of the Starlink connectivity feature on iPhones?
Answer. The Starlink connectivity feature is in its early beta phase and available for iPhone users running iOS 18.3. T-Mobile has begun testing it with a limited number of iPhone users.
Q3. What are the future plans for the Starlink satellite connectivity feature?
Answer. Currently, the collaboration only supports text messaging via satellite, but there are plans to expand support for voice calls and data in the future.
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