Apple is reportedly negotiating with SpaceX to leverage its Starlink network of satellites to provide direct-to-cell connectivity for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, and that too without the need for any additional hardware on the user's part.
Apple is eyeing a tie-up with SpaceX to leverage its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Starlink network to provide satellite-based connectivity on iPhone 18 Pro models
For the uninitiated, Apple currently uses Globalstar's satellite connectivity for its 'Emergency SOS' service, which allows iPhone users to contact emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. The tie-up with Globalstar also enables iPhone users to share location and exchange messages with personal contacts and first responders.
Apple and Globalstar, however, appear to be drifting apart, with the chair of Globalstar, James Monroe, recently discussing the possibility of selling his company for over $10 billion amid Starlink's escalating dominance.
Even though Apple has invested around $2 billion in Globalstar over the past few years, a buyout appears unlikely as the Cupertino giant does not want to be regulated like a carrier. It is partially due to this reason that Apple has yet to charge iPhone users for Globalstar's satellite services.
This leads us to the core of today's topic. The Information is now reporting that Apple is in talks with SpaceX to bring Starlink's direct-to-cell connectivity feature to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Critically, the feature would not require any additional hardware to operate on a user's compatible iPhone. This echoes a previous report from the publication, where it had noted that Apple was planning to add support for satellite-based 5G internet as early as 2026.
Moreover, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, next-gen iPhones are expected to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, which allows cell towers to use satellites to extend their coverage.
To that end, Apple is also planning to furnish an API that would allow third-party developers to integrate satellite connectivity within their apps.
As for SpaceX, it recently acquired EchoStar's wireless spectrum for $17 billion, enabling Starlink to provide faster internet services to phones around the globe.
Also, SpaceX President, Gwynne Shotwell, recently announced that the company was working with chipmakers to integrate satellite connectivity directly into smartphones.
These developments come as SpaceX has now received authorization from the FCC to operate up to 15,000 of its second-generation (Gen2) satellites. This means that the company can now launch around 7,500 new satellites to bring its total second-gen strength to 15,000 units.
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, SpaceX's Gen2 Starlink satellites offer a higher capacity and lower latency, while allowing for:
- A 20x increase in throughput
- Direct-to-Cell capability by allowing Gen2 satellites to connect to unmodified cellular handsets.
- Greater orbital maneuverability and an autonomous collision avoidance system.
With this authorization, SpaceX has just enhanced its apex position as the leading global provider of satellite-based connectivity to commercial and defense sectors, rendering a tie-up with Apple quite logical.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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