Apple has been secretly working with Starlink to bring satellite connectivity to iPhones

In brief: Apple has been secretly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet into the latest iPhone software. The fruits of the partnership came to light this week with the release of iOS 18.3, which now supports connecting to SpaceX's orbiting Starlink network. Essentially, this functionality allows your iPhone to surf the web and more via satellite when cellular service is out of range.

The Starlink tie-up is an unexpected twist, since T-Mobile had previously only listed Starlink as an option for certain Samsung phones like the S24 models. Meanwhile, Apple already offered its own satellite SOS service through Globalstar that lets users send emergency texts when off the grid.

But it turns out the Cupertino tech giant had been quietly testing iPhones with Starlink connectivity. The new software update automatically enables it, with no need to manually point your phone at ...