Apple’s iPhone devices are now eligible to participate in testing SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-cell capability, which offers coverage from space, as announced by T-Mobile, a collaborator in the initiative. Following approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in November of last year, T-Mobile and SpaceX are currently conducting trial tests of the Starlink cell network. This trial includes a ‘text via satellite’ feature, with plans to introduce voice and data capabilities in the future.
Initially, T-Mobile had limited the eligible devices for the network trial to a select few Android smartphones. However, with the latest iOS 18.3 software update, iPhone devices have now been included. Bloomberg News reported that Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile have been working discreetly to integrate support for this network into the latest iPhone software.
In October of the previous year, the FCC granted permission for SpaceX and T-Mobile to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities, aimed at providing cellular coverage in areas of North Carolina severely affected by Hurricane Helene.
