Apple Inc. has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, providing an alternative to the company’s in-house satellite-communication service.

SpaceX launched another batch of its Starlink internet satellites from Florida's Space Coast today (Jan. 27). A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink spacecraft, including 13 with direct-to-cellphone capability, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today at 5:05 p.m. EST (2205 GMT).

SpaceX is preparing to send its next round of Starlink satellites into lower Earth orbit with a launch scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, officials said.

Apple's iPhone devices are now eligible to test SpaceX-owned Starlink's direct-to-cell capability that provides coverage from space, according to T-Mobile , a partner in the program.

SpaceX launched another batch of its Starlink internet satellites from California's central coast today (Jan. 24). A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink craft lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base today, at 9:07 a.m. EST (1407 GMT; 6:07 a.m. local time).

SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Monday afternoon that will carry internet-beaming Starlink satellites into orbit.

Apple has partnered with SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring Starlink satellite texting to iPhones, with a limited beta test rolling out via iOS 18.3, marking a major step toward expanding connectivity in remote areas.

Apples iPhones can now test SpaceXs Starlink direct-to-cell technology, providing satellite coverage for mobile devices. T-Mobile, a key partner in the initiative, confirmed the eligibility of iPhones running iOS 18.

SpaceX launched a new round of Starlink satellites into lower Earth orbit on its 11th launch of 2025, setting it on pace to break another one-year launch record.