Apple silently adds Starlink to T-Mobile iPhones in IOS 18.3; Musk reveals features that should be supported with Starlink

Back in December 2024, SpaceX’s US cellphone partner, T-mobile opened the beta registrations for text messaging service via the direct-to-cell Starlink satellites but this beta program was said to be limited to a few Android smartphones only.

But now after the release of iOS 18.3, T-Mobile subscribers with a compatible iPhone and Starlink beta access can connect to Starlink satellites. iPhone users now get an alternative to their Globalstar service for off-grid communication.

A T-mobile iPhone without T-Mobile cellular service will now be able to pair automatically with Starlink satellites for connectivity. Though currently Starlink supports texting, location sharing, and texting 911 emergency services it is said that SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to add voice calls and data in the future. Also while beta testing, T-Mobile Starlink services will only be available while in the US.

As reported, T-Mobile is sending the following message to some iPhone users on its network: “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

Besides the texting feature, Musk has also revealed on the X platform that features like medium-resolution images, music, and audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.

Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.

Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video. https://t.co/yfDPbkgSJH

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025

He also revealed that the next generation constellation will do medium-resolution video as well. For now, the Stalink beta access is said to be limited but T-Mobile is expected to expand the beta test to more of its subscribers.