Apple and SpaceX subsidiary Starlink have been rolling out competing satellite tv for pc options that permit smartphone customers to ship textual content messages whereas they’re exterior of mobile and Wi-Fi protection. The Wall Avenue Journal on Sunday detailed the connection between the 2 corporations, and the report additionally revealed another notable particulars.
First, the report stated that SpaceX has tried to delay Apple’s satellite tv for pc enlargement efforts.
Final 12 months, Apple dedicated $1.5 billion to its satellite tv for pc companion Globalstar, to fund the enlargement of infrastructure for the iPhone’s built-in satellite tv for pc options. Earlier this month, SpaceX urged the FCC to dismiss Globalstar’s utility for this enlargement, calling it “untimely.” SpaceX stated Globalstar’s satellites would make unique use of the 1.6GHz and a couple of.4GHz bands, earlier than the FCC decides on guidelines that might allow different satellite tv for pc operators to make use of these bands. SpaceX desires shared entry to the bands, however Globalstar believes this might lead to interference, and probably degrade the iPhone’s built-in satellite tv for pc options.
Regardless of this battle, Globalstar is paying SpaceX to launch its further satellites.
Second, the report stated that Apple and SpaceX had “tense” discussions about seamlessly integrating Starlink’s satellite tv for pc texting characteristic on newer iPhone fashions, though the 2 corporations ultimately reached an settlement.
In a assist doc, Apple says iPhones show “SAT” within the standing bar when utilizing a carrier-provided satellite tv for pc characteristic, corresponding to Starlink through T-Cellular.
Starlink through T-Cellular is at present accessible in beta totally free, and it’s set to launch as a paid service in July for each iPhone and Android customers.
Lastly, the report stated that Apple held talks over time with further satellite tv for pc corporations, together with Boeing, EchoStar, and even SpaceX. Nonetheless, as of at the moment, the iPhone’s built-in satellite tv for pc options stay solely powered by Globalstar.
In an announcement responding to the report, Apple stated its satellite tv for pc options are “designed to enrich service choices, giving customers much more methods to remain linked.” Most significantly, Apple stated the options have “already helped save lives.”
Apple’s built-in satellite tv for pc characteristic was initially restricted to communication with emergency providers, however iOS 18 added the flexibility to ship and obtain iMessages and SMS messages to anybody through satellite tv for pc. iPhone customers may also replace their location within the Discover My app through satellite tv for pc, and organize roadside help through satellite tv for pc. All of those options can be found within the U.S., however availability varies in different international locations. The options are free to make use of for now. Each the Apple-provided and carrier-provided satellite tv for pc options are supported on all iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 fashions, with an up-to-date iOS model.
