Apple secretly testing direct-to-device satellite connectivity with Starlink and T-Mobile


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T-Mobile had previously only mentioned testing with Samsung devices, with no mention of Apple’s iPhones 

Apple has been “secretly” working with T-Mobile and SpaceX test Starlink’s network using Apple’s latest iPhone software, according to a Bloomberg report.  

The iPhone’s latest software update, which was released this week, will allow selected T-Mobile customers to connect directly to the satellites.   

The test will “begin with select optimised smartphones” and the full launch will “support the vast majority of modern smartphones”. 

The following alert was sent to initial beta users: “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.” 

When an iPhone on the T-Mobile network has no connectivity, the pilot devices will attempt to pair with Starlink satellites. The software is designed to connect automatically, even if the device is not in use. 

 

Back in November, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a license for T Mobile and Space X to provide coverage to remote areas, in an effort to eliminate “dead zones”. 

“The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones,” said the FCC Chair at the time, Jessica Rosenworcel. 

It is worth noting that, iPhone (14 or later) users can already connect to satellite for free emergency text messaging, thanks to Apple’s partnership with satellite firm Globalstar, which was agreed in 2022.  

It is unclear what impact these tests with SpaceX will have on Apple’s relationship with Globalstar moving forward. 

 

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