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.

Apple 's compatible iPhones now support Starlink's direct-to-cell capability, a service from SpaceX that provides coverage from space. The news was confirmed by T-Mobile, a partner in the project, according to Reuters.

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. T-Mobile and Elon Musk's SpaceX are currently testing the Starlink cell network on a trial basis after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission in November last year.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the companies have been testing this integration with Starlink, a service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, on iPhones. With the release of iOS 18.3 on Monday, this support became available, although Apple did not highlight this in the update notes.

For now, the T-Mobile direct-to-cell service via Starlink only provides basic messaging, but when more satellites are added, images and even audio streaming will be possible. Video streaming in the boondocks without carrier towers will only be possible with the next-gen Starlink cellular network constellation, though.

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.