iPhone Users Can Now Access Starlink Network Connectivity in US: Details
Apple
By Himani Jha | Updated Jan 30, 2025, 5:36 PM IST
The direct-to-cell capability of SpaceX-owned Starlink, which offers coverage from space, will now be supported by Apple's iPhone. Germany-based T-Mobile and Elon Musk's SpaceX are presently conducting trial runs of the Starlink cell network. Currently, the trial feature will offer a ‘text via satellite’ facility. Read out all details here.
Apple has released the stable iOS 18.3 update, which includes a number of new features, UI adjustments, and bug fixes. However, the most notable features of the update is Starlink satellite network as a substitute for Apple's satellite communication. According to reports, Apple secretly teamed up with T-Mobile and Elon Musk's Starlink to offer iPhone users satellite communication through the Starlink network, which is well-known for being a satellite-based internet service. This will let iPhone users connect with their loved ones even when they are not in a network area. Here's all you need to know.
Apple in collaboration with T-Mobile and Starlink has started the trial period for activating the Starlink satellite network on specific iPhone models. It will allow iPhone 14 models running the most recent version of iOS 18 to launch SpaceX's Starlink Direct-to-Cell feature and send text messages via satellite. Users will benefit from this if they are traveling to places with poor reception or no network so they can send a quick text message to their loved ones.
In other words, the Starlink satellite network will enable qualified iPhone users to send messages to friends, family, and emergency professionals.
How to send text messages on an iPhone using the Starlink satellite network
Since the feature is still in beta testing and has not been formally released, only a small number of iPhone users can utilize it. Users of iPhones are currently required to install iOS 18.3. They will be required to navigate to their iPhone's cellular data settings after installing the latest update. A new toggle will appear there, enable that for activations will show up.
Once done, users will need to look for Starlink networks on their iPhones, just like with other satellite communications, in order to connect and send messages to emergency services or loved ones. Note that the feature is currently only accessible in the United States, but the partnered companies intend to extend both its reach and its capabilities to ensure that users are always connected to the network.
Apple in collaboration with T-Mobile and Starlink has started the trial period for activating the Starlink satellite network on specific iPhone models. It will allow iPhone 14 models running the most recent version of iOS 18 to launch SpaceX's Starlink Direct-to-Cell feature and send text messages via satellite. Users will benefit from this if they are traveling to places with poor reception or no network so they can send a quick text message to their loved ones.
In other words, the Starlink satellite network will enable qualified iPhone users to send messages to friends, family, and emergency professionals.
How to send text messages on an iPhone using the Starlink satellite network
Since the feature is still in beta testing and has not been formally released, only a small number of iPhone users can utilize it. Users of iPhones are currently required to install iOS 18.3. They will be required to navigate to their iPhone's cellular data settings after installing the latest update. A new toggle will appear there, enable that for activations will show up.
Once done, users will need to look for Starlink networks on their iPhones, just like with other satellite communications, in order to connect and send messages to emergency services or loved ones. Note that the feature is currently only accessible in the United States, but the partnered companies intend to extend both its reach and its capabilities to ensure that users are always connected to the network.