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Starlink satellite Internet now works on Apple iPhones with latest iOS 18.3 update

T-Mobile has turned on the Starlink satellite Internet service for Apple’s iPhones in a rather surprising move. Previously, launch tests for the direct-to-cell feature were always done on Samsung phones.

When SpaceX demonstrated the first tweet coming from space to a phone in the woods without a cell tower nearby, it used a Samsung handset for the demo.

Ditto for the first video streaming session via Starlink’s direct-to-cell service that T-Mobile was the first carrier to sign up for.

Well, the phone turned out to be a Verizon Galaxy S21 model, not a T-Mobile version, but that was just to demonstrate that Starlink’s satellite service can be brought to any unmodified carrier handset, a far cry from the bulky satellite phones of yesteryear.

Now, however, it seems that iPhones have also joined the Starlink direct-to-cell satellite connectivity party, and Apple has been working with SpaceX for a while to do so, tip insiders. The Starlink service thus comes as an alternative to Apple’s own homebrew partnership with Globalstar over iPhone emergency satellite connectivity.

Last month, SpaceX finished launching the first shell of its direct-to-cell constellation, consisting of about 330 Starlink satellites with the option. That inaugural constellation only allows messaging and image exchange, as well as podcast streaming, tipped Elon Musk, while the second stage will bring streaming video in areas outside of carrier network tower coverage as well.

For now, T-Mobile is starting with a beta Starlink service that only offers short messaging over satellites. Those iPhone users who have been chosen for the beta are getting a memo that they can now start texting via Starlink satellites when they update to the latest iOS 18.3 version.

T-Mobile advised that the direct-to-cell service is beginning with “optimized” handsets, and Apple has apparently worked diligently behind the scenes so that its iPhones fit that description.

Elon Musk suggested Starlink when Apple partnered with Globalstar for the iPhone 14, and it has evidently decided to take SpaceX up on the offer. When the new Starlink connectivity option is out of beta, it will be supported by most newer phones, says T-Mobile.

Source: Starlink satellite Internet now works on Apple iPhones with latest iOS 18.3 update

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