Updated May 31 with more details of the service and how to use it right now.
When Apple released iOS 18.5 (and we’ve just learned that there may not be an iOS 19 this fall), it unexpectedly added satellite connectivity for iPhone 13 users. Here’s what it means right now, and how things will change in the future and what the service will be able to provide in the future. Let’s clear up one thing first, about what it’s not.
Apple iPhone 13 line-up
It’s Not The Apple Emergency SOS Satellite Service…
That’s the feature which was introduced with the iPhone 14 series, and means that if you’re in the great outdoors with no cellular connection, you can point your iPhone 14 or later at the sky and be connected to emergency services or car breakdown companies.
Software in the iPhone knows your location and is able to spot the satellites passing overhead to guide you where to point. This service uses Globalstar satellites and can’t be introduced to the iPhone 13 as the necessary hardware isn’t on board.
…But In Some Ways It’s Better
Instead of that, the new option for users of the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, this is “carrier-provided satellite features,” as Apple describes it.
This means that you don’t need to point the phone at the satellite to make contact. It happens automatically and works even if your phone is in your pocket— this difference has been described as a “game-changer” for its greater convenience.
Right Now, Who Can Use It?
Services like these are more like conventional cellular connections and need the right plan to work. Right now, only T-Mobile has this capability, though other carriers will follow. It’s not limited to the iPhone 13, or any other iPhone, and will work on Android phones, too. You need to have signed up to the T-Mobile Starlink beta, which runs until July, after which it will become a paid service — though included in some T-Mobile plans at no extra cost.
Please note, unlike some reports suggested, Starlink is not installed on your phone.
What Can You Do With This Service?
Right now, the capability is for text messages, not unlike Apple’s Globalstar feature on iPhone 14 and later. However, it’s thought that carriers will add voice calls and data in the future. The Starlink connection is capable of images, music and audio podcasts, it’s said.
The claim comes from Starlink’s Elon Musk, who said, “Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation. Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video,” though no mention was made of when this next-gen capability might arrive.
What Else?
Apple updated its support page about carrier-provided satellite features on iPhone when iOS 18.5 was released, confirming that they will work with all models of iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 series.
The page specifies that you should check “before you go off the grid that your iPhone can benefit.” As well as the iPhone 13 or later, you need the latest version of iOS. You also need a supported carrier, and Apple notes that some might require “a supported cellular plan,” for it work.
On a separate page, Apple specifies which carriers that means and right now, the words “Network provider provided satellite features,” which is what we’re looking for, only appears once, for T-Mobile USA.
Again, this won’t always be the case, as other carriers agree deals of their own with Starlink or others. Back in February, U.K. network Vodafone announced it had made a satellite video call in Wales, with its technology partner AST SpaceMobile. At the time, it was reported that AST SpaceMobile, which is based in Texas, has also made a deal with AT&T and Verizon to provide similar services across the U.S.
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