Apple and SpaceX have quietly struck a deal that will allow iPhone users to send messages even where there is no cell signal. With iOS 18.3 comes support for Starlink – and with it a whole new era of mobile communication without the need for classic cell towers. A new era of telephony and data transmission begins - Apple + Starlink
The idea of making a smartphone itself satellite receiver, seemed like a pure science fiction trip just a few years ago. Apple + Starlink and today they are already testing this, and we are only a few versions of iOS away from this becoming the new normal. Think about it: if your iPhone can communicate directly with a satellite without the need for a ground base station, why would you even need a mobile operator? Why pay an expensive subscription when you can access global, stable connectivity with a single device — no SIM card, no contracts, no hidden costs?
Starlink is already offering a monthly subscription for home use that is cheaper than many traditional internet and mobile packages. And there is no need for cables, transmitters or digging trenches. All you need is access to the sky. When smartphones become direct terminals of this celestial network, a technological breakthrough of epic proportions will occur: wireless infrastructure will literally float – in orbit. As a result, developing countries, rural communities, as well as travelers and adventurers will gain the same communication power as residents of Tokyo or New York.
If the sky becomes the backbone of connectivity, then traditional carriers will be just a footnote in the history books. Phones will be autonomous, independent and connected – everywhere. Connectivity will no longer be a luxury, but a basic function of every device. Welcome to a future where clouds carry not only rain, but also data.
Practical example: how many times do you find yourself without signal – Apple + Starlink
You've probably squeezed it before. iPhone and staring at those desperate five circles that persistently display: “No signal.” Maybe you were in a mountain. Maybe in the middle of the ocean. Maybe just in the countryside with an operator who swears you “have coverage.” Well, forget all that.
Apple, in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, has enabled something almost sci-fi in the latest version of iOS 18.3: sending messages (SMS and iMessage) without a cellular network, only via satellite. Yes, you read that right. Phone in hand. Sky above. Connection established.
Why is this such a big deal? Apple + Starlink
1. The end of dependence on mobile operators?
Not yet. But it’s a start. Apple is currently offering this through a beta program with T-Mobile in the US, but it’s clear where the dog is going. If satellite connectivity becomes widely available, mobile operators may soon be mere “middlemen” or – God forbid – redundant.
2. Communication anywhere. Literally.
For now, it's just about messaging, but in the future we expect voice calls, internet data transfer and even video calls. All this, without GSM, 4G or 5G signal. Mountain rescuers, sailors, travelers and digital nomads - your era is beginning.
3. Market turmoil has already begun
Shares of Globalstar, which has been Apple's exclusive partner for satellite SOS services, have already fallen by more than 11%. It is clear that Apple has made a strategic move by bringing SpaceX into the game that could completely shake up the industry.
What does this mean for the future? Apple + Starlink
Technological view
The idea of phones without the need for terrestrial base stations is a step towards decentralizing mobile infrastructure. Instead of millions of towers – just a few thousand satellites. Cost-effectiveness? Increased. Coverage? Global. Latency? Still a challenge, but SpaceX launches new satellites every month.
Geopolitical view
When multinationals (and Musk personally) have control over global communications, countries lose some of their power. China? Probably won't be thrilled. Russia? Already blocking Starlink. EU? Probably wants its own "ethno-satellite."
Consumer view
Connectivity will reach a new level. Phones will have basic communication anywhere. Tourists, adventurers, workers in remote areas - everyone will be able to send messages or call for help even in the most dire conditions.
Apple + Starlink – And when will this come to us?
For now, everything is limited to the US, T-Mobile users, and devices from iPhone 14 onwards with iOS 18.3. But the trend is clear. Apple rarely does something “for testing”. When it starts – it sees through to the end. If there are no regulatory obstacles (or too much Musk’s Twitter), we will be sending Starlink SMS messages from Triglav before the end of 2025.
Conclusion: Is this the beginning of the end for classic operators?
Maybe not yet. But the seeds of the future are clearly visible in the sky. Literally. Apple and SpaceX have joined forces and opened the door to a new era: an era where the sky is not the limit – but the communications backbone.
Mobile carriers, get ready. The future is upon us – and it's called Starlink.
