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Apple Enables Starlink Connectivity on iPhones with iOS 18.3 Update

Apple's iOS 18.3 update enables Starlink satellite connectivity on iPhones, expanding mobile phone coverage in remote areas through a partnership with SpaceX and T-Mobile.

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Manisha Sharma
New Update
Apple

Apple Photograph: (Apple)

Apple has added support to iPhones for using the Starlink satellite network through the latest iOS 18.3. This feature has been tested in collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and US telecom giant T-Mobile through Apple’s T-Mobile Starlink beta program, creating greater connectivity in faraway areas.

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Bringing Satellite Connectivity to iPhones

According to sources the few iPhones running the beta program received a message from T-Mobile: ‘You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. Now you can text from virtually anywhere using an app that allows you to stay connected via satellite instead of through your cell phone plan. To reach beyond this, first update to iOS 18.3.” The partnership with Globalstar means Apple’s satellite ambitions have made another leap forward, as it already offers emergency texting on iPhones.

How It Works

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In areas with spotty cellular coverage, the enrolled iPhones will try to connect to SpaceX’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to gain access to the Starlink network. Users will be able to manage this satellite connectivity feature with a new toggle on the iPhone’s cellular settings.

At first, only text messaging is available using the iPhone as well. SpaceX and T-Mobile, however, aim to improve the network even more with future updates that will bring voice calls and data connectivity to the service.

Starlink’s Expansion to Other Devices

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However, while Apple has begun testing Starlink support on iPhones, T-Mobile has already enabled the feature for a few Samsung devices like the Galaxy Z Fold series and Galaxy S24 series. Furthermore, T-Mobile is StackUp to allow certain Android 15-powered smartphones to join its Starlink beta program, indicating broader satellite mobile connectivity adoption.

The Future of Satellite-Powered Connectivity

Starlink is an LEO satellite constellation known to carry out such services by using radio signals to deliver internet access to users directly. Unlike traditional satellite internet services that require higher orbit satellites, the lower altitude of Starlink enhances speed and speed latency, making it an appealing path to global connectivity. 

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This also means that Apple with the new iOS 18.3 update has incorporated Starlink support to ensure that iPhone users have uninterrupted communication, even when they are not within the areas that have 5G coverage. The future of seamless mobile connectivity is becoming closer by the day as we advance with satellite technology.

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