Apple partners with SpaceX to offer Starlink satellite connectivity on iPhone

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Apple partners with SpaceX to offer Starlink satellite connectivity on iPhone

Apple is bringing the Starlink network to iPhone, according to a recent report published by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

It is speculated to work similarly to the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature on iPhone that lets users get in touch with emergency services when they do not have a cellular network or Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Cupertino-based technology company has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has developed the Starlink satellite network, along with a US telecommunications provider to commence its testing in beta.

Apple introduced the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature with the iPhone 14 models in 2022 in the US and Canada. While it offers cellular connectivity using one of Globalstar’s 24 satellites in low-earth orbit, the Starlink partnership is said to bring the same functionality too, explains Apple. In a report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman highlighted that it will arrive as an alternative to the company’s in-house service and will be limited to the US.