Apple teaches iPhone to connect to Starlink satellites
Apple, in collaboration with SpaceX and T-Mobile, has introduced support for iPhone connectivity to the Starlink satellite network in the latest version of iOS 18.3. However, this feature is currently available only to a limited number of users in the United States and is still in the testing phase.
Previously, iPhone users could only use emergency satellite communication via Globalstar, which allowed them to send messages to emergency services when there was no cellular connection. Now, with Starlink, users will be able to exchange regular text messages, and future plans include expanding functionality to include voice calls and satellite internet access. Unlike Globalstar, Starlink will work automatically, even when the phone is in a pocket.
T-Mobile has already started beta testing for iPhone users. The first participants in this new program received SMS messages: “You are participating in the T-Mobile Starlink beta test. You can now stay connected with text messages via satellite from almost anywhere in the world. To start using coverage outside of this range, update to iOS 18.3".
Full deployment of the service is expected to occur in 2025.
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