Apple has been “secretly working” with SpaceX and the result is that the latest iOS software update means iPhones can access Starlink.

While the update does allow iPhone owners to integrate satellite networks from their provider, it doesn’t automatically enable Starlink on iPhones. On Apple forums, people flagged the fear as completely overblown.

Apple has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software.

Bloomberg News first reported on Tuesday that Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile had been secretively working to add support for the network.

The latest update Apple rolled out for the iPhone allows T-Mobile customers — a select few, for now — to be able to send text messages even in locations where they have no coverage. iOS 18.3 adds support for SpaceX and T-Mobile's direct-to-cell satellite service,

Apple secretly partners with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite support into iPhones with iOS 18.3.

In 2022, Apple became the first mainstream smartphone maker to add satellite connectivity to its mobile devices, debuting a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in the iPhone 14 lineup. Now, it’s taking its satellite features in a new — and arguably more useful — direction with support for the SpaceX Starlink network.

However, the Bloomberg report states that a select number of iPhone users have been able to enable the Starlink beta through T-Mobile. While we don't know which models will be compatible as of yet, T-Mobile told Bloomberg that the full release will support the vast majority of iPhones.