Shop E Store Contrary to what you might have heard on Tiktok, Apple didn’t just “install” Elon Musk star links on every iPhone.
The short explanation is that your iPhone can use StarLink like any other mobile service provider. More specifically, Starlink support on iPhones is currently limited to a single carrier for US customers.
It is not a direct partnership between Apple and Starlink. Instead, T-Mobile uses StarLink to provide additional coverage using 1900MHz (band 25) spectra. The iPhone supports Band 25. It is not possible to support the latest version of T-Mobile network. Apple itself is not affiliated with StarLink in any capacity.
However, if T-Mobile customers want to opt out of using StarLink on their iPhone, there is a way to disable it using the feature.
The toggle is powered off Settings > Mobile phone > Carrier > Satellite.
Additionally, Apple has published a document detailing how the iPhone works with carrier-provided satellite features. The new documentation makes clear how Apple’s actual satellite network provider works compared to the satellite features provided by Carrier.
Some carriers are using satellites enabled by established partnerships with satellite providers to enhance their cellular networks. Before you remove the grid, make sure your iPhone can benefit from the satellite features your carrier offers. Need:
- iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16 (all models)
- Latest iOS version
- Supported carriers
- Some carriers may need a supported mobile phone plan
If your iPhone uses the satellite features provided by the carrier, the iPhone will display “SAT” in the status bar.
Carrier fees or data rates may apply. Please contact us for more information about the satellite features offered by the carrier and the supported countries or regions.
iPhones can also use Starlink as an Internet service provider. Starlink Satellite Internet Connectivity is pinned to one location, portable and can be used for flights and cruises.
T-Mobile’s StarLink products are far more limited at the moment. This service is limited to sending text messages using StarLink if it is out of range from T-Mobile’s network. It is also available in beta version only and requires you to manually sign up for access on the T-Mobile website.
In the future, StarLink is expected to expand T-Mobile’s ability to include mobile data for its customers. This is what StarLink provides directly to subscribers as an ISP. However, since Starlink is not a mobile phone carrier, it was necessary to partner with T-Mobile in the first place.
Contrary to what you saw on Tiktok, you should update to iOS 18.3 as soon as possible. It’s important to keep your iPhone up to date and always have the latest bug fixes and security patches. Due to this StarLink connection option, there is no reason to refrain from updating to iOS 18.3.
