Technology
Apple, SpaceX Secretly Launch Starlink Beta for iPhone Users in the U.S.
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Apple Inc. has quietly integrated Starlink connectivity into its latest iPhone software update to expand satellite communication capabilities for iPhone users.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile have been testing iPhones with Starlink’s satellite network to allow users to access off-grid connectivity in areas without traditional cellular coverage.
The functionality, which was not publicly announced, became available with Apple’s iOS 18.3 update, released on Monday.
The Starlink beta program, currently available only in the United States, allows select T-Mobile iPhone users to enable texting via satellite. The first beta participants received text messages confirming their access to the T-Mobile Starlink beta, directing them to update to the latest iOS version.
“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.”
The feature is currently limited to messaging, but T-Mobile and SpaceX plan to expand into data connections and voice calls in the future.
Unlike Apple’s existing Globalstar satellite feature, which requires users to physically point their iPhone toward the sky, the Starlink option is designed to work automatically, even if the phone is in a user’s pocket.
While T-Mobile had previously announced Starlink compatibility for select Samsung devices, the iPhone’s inclusion in the beta program was unexpected.
T-Mobile has also extended access to some Android 15 users, signaling a broader rollout in the coming months.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, responding to the beta news on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that images, music, and podcasts will be supported on Starlink’s current technology, with video support planned for future upgrades.
“Images, music, and podcasts should be supported by current Starlink technology and future upgrades will add video support as well,” Musk said.
Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile representatives have so far declined to provide official statements on the matter.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted SpaceX conditional approval in November to integrate Starlink satellites with T-Mobile’s network, paving the way for the beta test.
SpaceX formally requested authorization to begin testing the service on Monday, aligning with Apple’s software update rollout.
The full-scale deployment of satellite-powered mobile services is expected to reshape global telecom networks and offer an alternative for users beyond traditional cellular infrastructure.