Following a strong Q4 and 2024, T-Mobile US highlighted how its Starlink Satellite connectivity aided the victims of California wildfires.

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,

Starlink plans to start beta testing its Direct-to-Cell service. The beta test will include its global cellular partners, including T-Mobile.

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.

T-Mobile continues to perform well in the U.S. telecom market, with aggressive expansion in 5G, strong earnings growth, and customer-focus. Explore more details here.

Starlink support appears to be a secret iOS 18.3 feature for iPhones, some of which now support satellite communication services from SpaceX — but only for users invited to join public beta testing of the service on US carrier T-Mobile. This supplements Apple’s existing satellite services supplier, Globalstar.

T-Mobile is expanding its Starlink beta program. Now, some iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users can connect to SpaceX's satellites.

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."

Apple is said to be in secret talks with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add Starlink support, boosting satellite connectivity for iPhone users.

As of iOS 18.3, T-Mobile subscribers with a compatible iPhone and Starlink beta access are able to connect to Starlink satellites, reports

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.