SpaceX and Apple have reached a partnership agreement to give Starlink connection to the iPhone. As part of the plan, Apple’s iPhone is set to support the coverage from direct cells to cells via Spacex’s Starlink network, expanding satellite connection options for US mobile users.
T-mobile, an important partner of Initiative, has confirmed that Apple devices are subject to Starlink’s satellite-driven cell service. Career and SpaceX have been tested after obtaining approval from the Federal Communications Committee in November.
The news is two years after SpaceX connected a mobile phone to the satellite in partnership with T-Mobile and increased the coverage of cells in remote areas as part of the “Save Lives” program.
According to Reuters’ reports, “Apple’s iPhone device is qualified to test the direct cell function of SPACEX, according to the program partner, T-Mobile.”
At present, according to the T-Mobile website, this trial contains satellite-based text messages, and audio and data services are planned for later development.
At first, only the Android device selected for the test was listed, but the latest iOS 18.3 updates have expanded the iPhone qualification.
Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile had been quietly working to integrate network support into the latest software update for Apple.
Apple and SPACEX do not provide comments in response to inquiries other than normal business hours.
In October, the FCC gained approval between SPACEX and T-Mobile to deploy Starlink’s direct technology, and supported the North Carolina connection following the damage caused by Hurricane Helen.
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