Apple Surprises Users With Starlink Beta, Teams Up With Elon Musk's SpaceX And T-Mobile To Bring Satellite Texting For iPhone Users In iOS 18.3

Ananya Gairola

January 28, 2025

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has joined forces with Elon Musk's SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) to bring Starlink satellite texting capabilities to iPhones.

What Happened: Apple has integrated the Starlink satellite network into its latest iPhone software update iOS 18.3, released on Monday, reported Bloomberg.

T-Mobile has initiated a limited beta test, allowing some iPhone users to experience the Starlink service.

Participants in the beta received messages from T-Mobile, informing them of their inclusion in the Starlink program. The company said that the test will initially support select smartphones, with plans to expand to more devices, the report noted.

See Also: iOS 18.4 Preview: Updates To Siri, More Languages For Apple Intelligence, And Robot Vacuum Support — Everything We Know So Far

Currently, the Starlink service is limited to texting, but SpaceX and T-Mobile aim to include data and voice capabilities in the future.

The service is available only in the U.S. for now, contrasting with Apple’s satellite connectivity provider Globalstar (AMEX:GSAT) service, which operates in multiple countries.

Why It Matters: This partnership marks a significant shift, as T-Mobile had previously only mentioned Starlink compatibility with Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:SSNLF) devices.

Subscribe to the Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.

T-Mobile has also expanded the beta to include some users with Android 15, the newest version of Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google's operating system.

Both the Starlink and Apple satellite services are intended for use in remote areas, like hiking trails, where cellular coverage is unavailable.

The Apple satellite service is supported on most modern iPhone models, and the company is also planning to introduce it on the Ultra smartwatch later this year, the report noted.

T-Mobile US is set to discuss its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The company’s third-quarter revenue reached $20.16 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $20.01 billion. Apple’s first-quarter earnings report is expected on Jan. 30.

Price Action: Apple’s stock rose by 3.65% on Tuesday, ending the day at $238.26, and saw a further increase of 0.038% in after-hours trading, according to data from Benzinga Pro. TMUS’s stock dropped 0.17% on Tuesday, closing at $221.06, but gained 0.12% in after-hours trading.

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com

Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by following this link.

Read Next:

Stephen King Slams Elon Musk’s H-1B Visa Stance: ';Musk Thinks Smart Immigrants Can Stay – The Rest of You Washing Dishes â€¦ Get Lost’

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Recommended

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

Central Banks Are Buying More Gold Than Ever-And This U.S. Miner Is Ready to Oblige - Ad

"Tech Prophet" Who Predicted the iPhone Now Predicts... - Ad

Popular

Wall Street Enters Its Strongest Month: These 7 Stocks Often Crush It

November is historically Wall Street's strongest month. These 7 stocks often delivered standout gains in recent decades.

2026 COLA Increase: Social Security Benefits To Rise By 2.8% In 2026, Here's How Much More You Will Get Every Month

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026, affecting 75 million Americans.

From Ore to Gold Bars-This Nevada Mine Is Already Producing

From Ore to Gold Bars-This Nevada Mine Is Already Producing - Ad

Most juniors explore...Few actually produce. This one's already pouring gold thanks to infrastructure that would cost tens of millions to build today. With major land holdings and room to scale, it's one to watch.

Layoffs are piling up, raising worker anxiety. Here are some companies that have cut jobs recently

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s a tough time for the .

Move Over, Musk—The World's Richest Woman Joined the $100B Club

Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is the richest woman in the world worth more than $100 billion.

Why Are 21 Billionaires Moving Their Money ASAP?

Why Are 21 Billionaires Moving Their Money ASAP? - Ad

One of the biggest stock market events in 25 years is rapidly unfolding... The economist who predicted the 2008 Financial Crisis says it will be: "The Biggest Crash of Our Lifetime." Starting November 19 it could cut the entire tech marketing by HALF.

Cathie Wood Bets Big On Jack Dorsey's Bitcoin-Heavy Block, Adds Amazon And Alibaba — Sells Shopify, Surging Palantir

On Monday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest executed significant trades, including a notable purchase of shares in Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Block Inc.

Warren Buffett Opens Up About The Biggest Investing Blunders Of His Career — Here They Are

Over the decades, the "Oracle of Omaha" has shared candid reflections on his biggest blunders, from emotional decisions to missed opportunities, all of which provide timeless investing insights.

On November 18, a powerful new law signed by President Trump will trigger a radical shift in America's money system...

On November 18, a powerful new law signed by President Trump will trigger a radical shift in America's money system... - Ad

When a small group of private companies - not the Fed - will perform a major mint of a new kind of money. And those who act before this new system fully kicks in could see gains as high as 40X by 2032. But those who fail to prepare will be blindsided by this sea change to the U.S. dollar.

France threatens to block Shein over sale of childlike sex dolls ahead of Paris store opening

PARIS (AP) — French authorities have warned they may block access to after it emerged that the online fast fashion giant had been selling sex dolls with a childlike appearance.

Ford's enormous F-150 becomes unlikely part of Japan's efforts to woo Trump

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's most iconic truck might be the tiny white transport vehicles that farmers use to lug gear on the narrow roads that link their rice fields.

A Tiny Biotech Just Posted 10× Stronger Cancer Results

A Tiny Biotech Just Posted 10× Stronger Cancer Results - Ad

Early studies show this breakthrough delivery platform would make cancer treatments safer and more powerful. Now, with Big Pharma watching closely, investors are starting to take notice of what could be the next major biotech story.

Nvidia, TSMC Unveil The First US-Made Blackwell Wafer, But Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Flags This Overlooked Detail

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) has introduced the first U.S.-made Blackwell wafer, a crucial component for AI chips, at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's (NYSE: TSM) facility in Phoenix.

Donald Trump Faces 'No Kings Day' Protests As Millions March Nationwide, GOP Stays Silent Amid Authoritarianism Claims

Millions rallied nationwide against Trump, with top lawmakers supporting protests and condemning Trump's consolidation of power.

The $43B Big Pharma Story is Starting Over-With a New Player

The $43B Big Pharma Story is Starting Over-With a New Player - Ad

Big Pharma once paid $43B for a small biotech with a similar platform. Now, a new company is following that same playbook, leveraging its patented delivery technology to attract partnerships and near-term revenue potential.

2,000 mink released from Iowa farm in what trade group calls 'terrorist act'

One or more intruders broke into an Iowa mink farm and released 2,000 of the furbearing animals in what a trade group called a “terrorist act” under federal law.

3 Communication Stocks Making Big Moves On Value Metrics

Three communication service stocks posted sharp gains in Benzinga's value rankings this week, highlighting renewed investor interest in the sector. Here's what investors need to know.

Is Big Pharma's Next Target Already in Play?

Is Big Pharma's Next Target Already in Play? - Ad

A small biotech may have cracked one of medicine's biggest problems-how to deliver cancer drugs safely and effectively. With patented technology and promising early data, it's already catching the attention of Big Pharma.

Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Futures Rise— Micron, Bitmine, Coinbase In Focus

U.S. stock futures rose on Monday following Friday’s advances. Futures of major benchmark indices were higher.

Meta Deepens Clean Energy Pact With ENGIE

Meta signed a new 600MW solar PPA with ENGIE, expanding total clean energy capacity in Texas to over 1.3GW and powering U.S. data centers.

Gold Bars Are Pouring, but This Miner is Still Priced Like a Startup

Gold Bars Are Pouring, but This Miner is Still Priced Like a Startup - Ad

You'd expect a gold miner with production, a full refinery, and big-name investors to be trading at a premium. But this one? It's still under $1

Warner Bros., Ford, General Motors Are Among the Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Oct. 20-Oct. 24): Are the Others in Your Portfolio?

Top large-cap gainers last week include SNDK, CRS, PEGA, ISRG, GM, HAL, FIX, WBD, LVS, F on earnings, upgrades, auctions.

Loggins demands removal of Trump's AI-generated video using ‘Danger Zone’

NEW YORK (AP) — Kenny Loggins is objecting to the use of his music in a social media post showing an artificial intelligence-generated video of dumping excrement from a fighter jet on last weekend's .

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as January 29.

Shutdown stalemate set to drag into sixth week as Trump pushes Republicans to change Senate rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans and Democrats remained at a stalemate on the over the weekend as it headed into its sixth week, with for millions of Americans and President Donald Trump pushing GOP leaders to change Senate rules to end it.

Edmunds compares the new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC

Compact luxury crossovers are ideal if you’re seeking a compelling blend of utility and style without having to pay full-size luxury SUV pricing. The has been a front-runner since the original model’s introduction in 2003, but it continues to face stiff competition from the .

Central Banks Are Buying More Gold Than Ever-And This U.S. Miner Is Ready to Oblige

Central Banks Are Buying More Gold Than Ever-And This U.S. Miner Is Ready to Oblige - Ad

Central banks are rapidly increasing their gold reserves-now nearly 20% of global assets. With rising demand and geopolitical pressure, U.S. gold supply is becoming more strategic than ever.

Dogecoin's $0.21 Problem: Why This Analyst Says Keep It On Your Radar

On Monday, social media influencer Ali Martinez, known popularly on X as Ali, drew the attention of the crypto community to an important resistance level for Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE).

Nvidia Termed 'Undervalued' By Masayoshi Son Last Year, Now Worth $5 Trillion: Here Is What Japanese Billionaire Investor Said About Ongoing AI Hype

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's 2024 prediction that Nvidia was "undervalued" has proven accurate as Jensen Huang's chipmaking giant surpasses a $5 trillion market cap, validating Son's bold $9 trillion AI vision.

"Tech Prophet" Who Predicted the iPhone Now Predicts...

"Tech Prophet" Who Predicted the iPhone Now Predicts... - Ad

George Gilder - who predicted the iPhone 17 years early and gave Reagan the first microchip - is making his boldest call yet. He says an American nanotech "super-convergence" could mint more millionaires than any event in recent memory. He's found 3 stocks set to benefit before November 18's bombshell.

Samsung reports 32% rise in operating profit, predicts continued AI-related growth

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Samsung Electronics on Thursday reported a 32.5% increase in operating profit for the third quarter, driven by rebounding demand for its computer memory chips, which the company expects will continue to grow on the back of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft to ship 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to UAE under US-approved deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Microsoft said Monday it will be shipping Nvidia's most advanced artificial intelligence chips to the United Arab Emirates as part of a deal approved by the U.S. Commerce Department.

From Ore to Gold Bars-This Nevada Mine Is Already Producing

From Ore to Gold Bars-This Nevada Mine Is Already Producing - Ad

L3Harris Lands $2.26 Billion South Korea Air Defense Contract

L3Harris won a $2.26B deal to deliver modified Bombardier Global 6500 AEW&C aircraft to the South Korean Air Force.

Trump Says He Knows 'Very Little' About 'Huge' Crypto Industry, But Glad His Sons Are Involved

President Donald Trump expressed strong support for the cryptocurrency industry in an interview aired Sunday, stating that under his administration, the U.S. has emerged as the global leader in the sector.

Why Are 21 Billionaires Moving Their Money ASAP?

Why Are 21 Billionaires Moving Their Money ASAP? - Ad

Some Head Start preschools shutter as government shutdown continues

The government shutdown is triggering a wave of closures of , leaving working parents scrambling for child care and shutting some of the nation's neediest children out of preschool.

Chamath Palihapitiya Sees Current Tech Giants Having An Upper Hand In AI Wars: 'Google Has A Huge Runway'

Chamath Palihapitiya says incumbents will win the AI race, arguing Google's "huge runway" and "massive distribution" gives it the edge.

On November 18, a powerful new law signed by President Trump will trigger a radical shift in America's money system...

On November 18, a powerful new law signed by President Trump will trigger a radical shift in America's money system... - Ad

Court Blocks Trump's SNAP Reductions, But Stricter Eligibility Rules Begin

New work requirements for SNAP begin Saturday, but benefits may not be issued through November due to the government shutdown.

Trending Now