Starlink is bringing satellite connectivity to the iPhone

Apple’s iPhones come with a feature that we hope that most of you will never have to use, and that is emergency satellite connectivity. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you might have to use it, a recent Bloomberg report might be of interest to you. Apple and SpaceX are working together to bring Starlink satellite connectivity to the iPhone.

For those unfamiliar, satellite connectivity is a feature we’re starting to see more in smartphones these days. The idea is that even if you’re out of range of a cellular tower, you can still get some form of connectivity. This will allow you to send information like text messages. This is crucial for emergency situations where you need to call for help but don’t have reception.

According to the report, both companies are working together to bring Starlink satellite connectivity to the iPhone. T-Mobile has already allowed customers to sign up for the beta. Users who managed to get in received a message that said, “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.”

At the moment, the feature is limited to just texting and only available to users in the US. However, T-Mobile and SpaceX have said there are plans to expand it to cover data connections and voice calls in the future.

At the moment, the iPhone’s satellite SOS feature was made possible through a partnership with Globalstar. It was previously speculated that this could be expanded to support competing networks, and now it looks like it does.