iOS 18.3 allows iPhone users with T-Mobile in the US to connect to Starlink

By: Nastya Bobkova | 29.01.2025, 06:43
iOS 18.3 allows iPhone users with T-Mobile in the US to connect to Starlink iOS 18.3: Starlink support for T-Mobile's iPhone allows you to connect to satellites. Source: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg

The iOS 18.3 update allows T-Mobile subscribers with a compatible iPhone and access to the Starlink beta programme to connect to Starlink satellites. This became possible thanks to Apple's cooperation with SpaceX and T-Mobile, and the innovation has already been confirmed on the operator's website.

Here's What We Know

T-Mobile announced a partnership with Starlink in 2022, and in December 2024, the operator launched a beta test that allows users to send text messages via Starlink satellites in places without mobile networks. Initially, the beta programme was only available for Samsung smartphones, and iPhones did not support this feature.

After the release of iOS 18.3, T-Mobile invited a limited number of iPhone users to test the new feature and added a toggle switch to activate the satellite connection. Subscribers on the list received a notification: "You are in the T-Mobile Starlink beta programme. Now you can stay connected via satellite almost anywhere. Just update to iOS 18.3 to get started."

T-Mobile poster
T-Mobile poster. Illustration: T-Mobile

With the Starlink integration, an iPhone that doesn't have access to T-Mobile's mobile network will automatically connect to Starlink satellites for connectivity. Currently, the feature is limited to text messaging, but support for data and voice calls is planned for the future.

Apple did not comment on the innovation, but T-Mobile noted that Starlink support will eventually be available for most modern smartphones. Already, iPhone 14 and later support satellite messaging through a partnership with Globalstar, so users can choose between the two services.

Access to beta testing is currently limited, but T-Mobile plans to expand the programme to other subscribers. The Starlink connection is only available in the US and is free during the beta test.

Source: Bloomberg

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