Apple’s iPhones, since the iPhone 14 released in September 2022, have had a free satellite service, allowing users to connect via satellite in emergency, for instance. That service is running until late next year, at least, but it looks like the next iPhone may have a different deal altogether.
According to a new report in The Information from Aaron Tilley and Wayne Ma, suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro, expected to be released in fall 2026, could see Apple’s satellite allegiance switch from Globalstar to SpaceX.
Right now, all iPhones from the iPhone 13 onwards can connect to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation of satellites — but only on T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service. This is available to customers who aren’t on T-Mobile who subscribe to the T-Satellite service.
But if the report is correct, then next year’s iPhone could see emergency services via satellite be provided by Starlink instead.
The reasons given in the story are first that SpaceX is now supporting “the same radio spectrum Apple uses for the iPhone’s current satellite features,” according to a report in 9to5Mac. This change could make a switch to Starlink simple and seamless.
Additionally, The Information reports that the chairperson of Globalstar has indicated a desire to sell the company (reportedly for $10 billion).
In that case, “Such a deal could signal that Globalstar and Apple are seeking more independence from each other,” Tilley and Ma explain.
Apple hasn’t indicated when the connection with Globalstar might come to an end. Initially, satellite connectivity was promised only for the first two years after the iPhone 14 was purchased, though this was recently extended to late 2026 at least.
But several commentators have pointed out that canning the free satellite service would not go down well with users. It’s a potentially life-saving service, after all.
A switch to Starlink could have another major benefit: right now, to use the Globalstar connectivity, users have to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch Ultra 3 out in front of them to catch the nearest satellite’s attention. The T-Satellite system affords the same connectivity even when the iPhone is in the user’s pocket. Perhaps moving to Starlink could make satellite connectivity more convenient.
