Apple’s iPhones to support SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-cell coverage in America

Apple’s iPhone devices are now eligible to participate in testing SpaceX-owned Starlink’s direct-to-cell capability, which offers coverage from space. This follows an announcement by T-Mobile, a partner in the initiative. T-Mobile, along with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been conducting trial tests of the Starlink cell network since receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission in November of the previous year.
Reuters:
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The trial offers ‘text via satellite’, while voice and data features will be added in the future, according to the T-Mobile website.
T-Mobile initially only listed a few Android smartphones as eligible devices to test the network, but has now added iPhone devices with the latest iOS 18.3 software update.
Bloomberg News first reported on Tuesday that Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile had been secretively working to add support for the network in its latest iPhone software.

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MacDailyNews Take: Last October, the FCC allowed Elon Musk’s SpaceX and T-Mobile to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability (emergency alerts, SMS testing) to provide coverage for iPhones and lesser cellphones in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Hurricane Helene.
Of course, since September 2022 starting with iPhone 14, users can connect their iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location — all while being off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage via Apple’s partnership with GlobalStar. More info here.

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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
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