Now, SpaceX's Starlink direct-to-cell technology, which allows satellite text communication, may be tested on Apple's iPhone handsets. Following FCC approval, T-Mobile and SpaceX are conducting experiments. iPhones running iOS 18.3 are now part of the testing phase, which was previously restricted to Android.
According to Reuters, which cited T-Mobile, a program partner, Apple's iPhone will now support SpaceX-owned Starlink's direct-to-cell capabilities, which offers service from space.Following the Federal Communications Commission's permission in November of last year, Germany-based T-Mobile and Elon Musk's SpaceX are now conducting trial testing of the Starlink cell network.
A "text via satellite" option will be available as part of the trial functionality. According to the article, voice and data features would be introduced later.
T-Mobile has previously identified a few Android handsets as devices that could test the network before iPhones running the most recent version of iOS 18.3.
According to a previous Bloomberg article, Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile were working covertly to add compatibility for the iPhone software network.
The FCC authorized SpaceX and T-Mobile in October 2024 to connect Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to offer cellular connectivity in Hurricane Helene-affected areas of North Carolina.
T-Mobile had previously stated that only phones made by Samsung Electronics Co., including the Z Fold and S24 models, would be compatible with Starlink. In the meanwhile, when customers are outside of cellular range, Apple offers Globalstar Inc., which enables them to text and call emergency personnel.
Customers can now sign up for an early version of the Starlink service through T-Mobile. This week, it conducted a beta test.
T-Mobile informed the original users via text message that they were part of the T-Mobile Starlink beta. These days, you can text from almost anyplace using satellite technology. Update to iOS 18.3 to begin enjoying coverage beyond.
Customers may now control the satellite capability with a new toggle switch in their iPhone's cellular data settings.
The test will "start with select optimized smartphones," according to a T-Mobile representative who spoke to Bloomberg, while the complete rollout would "support the vast majority of modern smartphones."
Users with Android 15 phones—the most recent version of Google's operating system—can now access this beta.
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