T-Mobile has announced that iPhone users can now join the beta testing of SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-cell satellite service, following the iOS 18.3 update. Initially available only for select Android smartphones, the service now expands to iPhones, offering satellite-based text messaging in areas without traditional cellular infrastructure.
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While the current beta is limited to text messaging, the T-Mobile and SpaceX partnership plans to add voice and data capabilities in the future. The service, approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in November 2024, aims to provide coverage in remote regions and during natural disasters, with Starlink satellites already assisting in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene in October 2024.
To access the service, iPhone users must have the latest iOS update. This move marks a significant milestone in satellite-powered communication, especially for iPhone users who were previously excluded from the initial trial phase.
