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

Apple first introduced satellite connectivity features to the iPhone with the release of the iPhone 14 in 2022. The

Apple introduced the "Emergency SOS" feature, which relies on Globalstar's satellite network. There are now indications, however, that Apple is exploring support for Starlink's satellite network. Following the release of iOS 18.

AST SpaceMobile ( ASTS -11.52%) stock crashed to Earth on Wednesday, falling 9.3% through 9:55 a.m. ET, while rival satellite company Globalstar ( GSAT -20.94%) lost a staggering 27% of its market cap.

T-Mobile partnered with SpaceX last year and launched a beta program for Starlink connectivity last December. However, the company originally only offered the option on Samsung phones. Now, this has been expanded to the iPhone as well.

Apple Inc. ha estado trabajando en secreto con SpaceX y T-Mobile US Inc. para añadir soporte para la red Starlink en su último software para iPhone, proporcionando una alternativa al servicio interno de comunicación por satélite de la empresa.

T-Mobile expands Starlink satellite service to iPhone users with iOS 18.3 update, enabling text messaging via satellite in remote areas.

Apple is working with SpaceX and US carrier T-Mobile to add support for Starlink's network in the latest iPhone software. Starlink would provide an alternative to Apple's in-house satellite communication service, Globalstar, Bloomberg reports. The two companies have started testing iPhones with SpaceX's Starlink service.

Apple is said to be in secret talks with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add Starlink support, boosting satellite connectivity for iPhone users.

Apple, Inc. (AAPL) is reportedly eyeing a satellite network collaboration with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX unit Starlink and telecom company T-Mobile U.S., Inc. (TMUS). Prominent Apple leaker and Bloomberg columnist Market Gurman said the companies have been testing iPhones with Starlink service in an effort to provide an alternative to Apple’s