In an unexpected collaboration, Apple has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and T-Mobile US to integrate support for the Starlink satellite network into its latest iPhone operating system. This development introduces a new alternative to Apple’s existing satellite communication service,

Bloomberg News first reported on Tuesday that Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile had been secretively working to add support for the network.

Apple has been “secretly working” with SpaceX and the result is that the latest iOS software update means iPhones can access Starlink.

Elon Musk confirms Apple quietly adds Starlink to iPhones in iOS 18.3: medium res images, music, audio podcasts should work fine, next-gen will be faster.

Apple Inc. has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, providing an alternative to the company’s in-house satellite-communication service.

T-Mobile partnered with SpaceX last year and launched a beta program for Starlink connectivity last December. However, the company originally only offered the option on Samsung phones. Now, this has been expanded to the iPhone as well.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but SpaceX CEO Elon Musk seemingly confirmed the partnership on X, writing: "Medium-resolution images, music, and audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation. The next-generation constellation will support medium-resolution video."

However, the Bloomberg report states that a select number of iPhone users have been able to enable the Starlink beta through T-Mobile. While we don't know which models will be compatible as of yet, T-Mobile told Bloomberg that the full release will support the vast majority of iPhones.

With iOS 18.3, iPhone users with T-Mobile can connect to Starlink satellites. T-Mobile Starlink is in beta and requires signing up. It currently supports text messages and contacting emergency services when you don't have cell coverage.

In 2022, Apple became the first mainstream smartphone maker to add satellite connectivity to its mobile devices, debuting a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in the iPhone 14 lineup. Now, it’s taking its satellite features in a new — and arguably more useful — direction with support for the SpaceX Starlink network.

Apple Inc. ha estado trabajando en secreto con SpaceX y T-Mobile US Inc. para añadir soporte para la red Starlink en su último software para iPhone, proporcionando una alternativa al servicio interno de comunicación por satélite de la empresa.