Apple partners with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for Starlink Satellite Network on iPhones.
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Summary: Elon Musk's Starlink Direct to Cell upgrade has made it possible for iPhone users to send and receive text messages without a cell network.
iPhone users will soon be able to send and receive text messages even in places without cellular coverage. This feature is made available by the recent iOS 18.3 update, which also includes compatibility through a link up with Starlink for SpaceX's direct-to-cell satellite service.
In order to provide an alternative to the company's exclusive satellite communication service, Apple Inc. has been secretly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to include support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone OS.
People familiar with the situation said the companies have been testing iPhones using Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s Starlink service. Unexpectedly, the most recent software update for the smartphone, which was made available on Monday, now supports the technology.
The partnership comes as surprise because T-Mobile has only previously listed Starlink as a feature for phones made by Samsung Electronics Co., namely the Z Fold and S24 models. Whereas, Apple currently offers a service called Global star Inc. that enables users to text and call emergency personnel while they are outside of cellular coverage.
Beta testers have started getting notifications saying, “You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere.” Bloomberg reports that iPhone users need to "update to iOS 18.3" to "unlock coverage that goes beyond." Once the update is installed, users can use this feature in their cellular data settings.
Currently, the satellite service only offers text messaging. Those in rural or low-coverage areas will be able to send messages via Starlink's satellite network. There are plans to expand the service in the future to incorporate voice and data connectivity, providing remote users even more alternatives.
