No, Apple didn’t just ‘install’ Elon Musk’s Starlink on everyone’s iPhone

Contrary to what you may have heard on TikTok, Apple did not just “install” Elon Musk’s Starlink on every iPhone.

The short explanation is that the iPhone is capable of using Starlink, just like any mobile service provider. More specifically, though, Starlink support on iPhone is limited to a single carrier for customers in the United States for now.

It’s not a direct partnership between Apple and Starlink. Instead, T-Mobile is using its 1900MHz (band 25) spectrum to provide additional coverage using Starlink, and the iPhone supports band 25. There’s nothing special in iOS 18.3 beyond supporting the latest version of T-Mobile’s network. Apple itself has not partnered with Starlink in any capacity.

However, if T-Mobile customers want to opt out of using Starlink on iPhone, there’s a way to disable using the functionality.

The toggle is available in Settings > Cellular > your carrier > turn off Satellite.

Additionally, Apple has published documentation that details how iPhone works with carrier-provided satellite features. The new document clarifies how Apple’s actual satellite network provider works compared to carrier-provided satellite features.

Some carriers have enhanced their cellular network with satellites enabled by partnerships they have established with satellite providers. Before you go off grid, check that your iPhone can benefit from carrier-provided satellite features. What you need:

• iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16 (all models)
• The latest version of iOS
• A supported carrier
• Some carriers might require a supported cellular plan

When your iPhone is using a carrier-provided satellite feature, iPhone will display a “SAT” in the status bar.

Carrier fees or data rates may apply. For more information about carrier-provided satellite features and supported countries or regions, contact your carrier.

iPhones are also capable of using Starlink as an internet service provider, just like Spectrum or Xfinity. Starlink satellite internet connectivity can be fixed to one location, portable, and even available on flights and cruises.

T-Mobile’s Starlink offering is much more limited for now. The service is limited to sending text messages using Starlink when out of range from T-Mobile’s network. It’s also only available in beta, and you have to manually sign up for access on T-Mobile’s website.

In the future, Starlink is expected to expand capabilities to include mobile data for T-Mobile customers. That’s what Starlink provides for direct subscribers as an ISP. However, Starlink is not a mobile phone carrier, which is why it needed to partner with T-Mobile in the first place.

Contrary to what you may have seen on TikTok, you should update to iOS 18.3 as soon as possible. It’s important to keep your iPhone up to date to ensure you always have the latest bug fixes and security patches. There is no reason to refrain from updating to iOS 18.3 because of this Starlink connectivity option.