Apple has been “secretly working” with SpaceX and the result is that the latest iOS software update means iPhones can access Starlink.

Apple introduced the "Emergency SOS" feature, which relies on Globalstar's satellite network. There are now indications, however, that Apple is exploring support for Starlink's satellite network. Following the release of iOS 18.

AST SpaceMobile ( ASTS -11.52%) stock crashed to Earth on Wednesday, falling 9.3% through 9:55 a.m. ET, while rival satellite company Globalstar ( GSAT -20.94%) lost a staggering 27% of its market cap.

Apple is said to be in secret talks with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add Starlink support, boosting satellite connectivity for iPhone users.

T-Mobile partnered with SpaceX last year and launched a beta program for Starlink connectivity last December. However, the company originally only offered the option on Samsung phones. Now, this has been expanded to the iPhone as well.

Apple Inc. ha estado trabajando en secreto con SpaceX y T-Mobile US Inc. para añadir soporte para la red Starlink en su último software para iPhone, proporcionando una alternativa al servicio interno de comunicación por satélite de la empresa.

T-Mobile expands Starlink satellite service to iPhone users with iOS 18.3 update, enabling text messaging via satellite in remote areas.

Apple is working with SpaceX and US carrier T-Mobile to add support for Starlink's network in the latest iPhone software. Starlink would provide an alternative to Apple's in-house satellite communication service, Globalstar, Bloomberg reports. The two companies have started testing iPhones with SpaceX's Starlink service.

Apple and SpaceX just unlocked direct Starlink connectivity for select iPhones, eliminating dead zones forever. Discover how this world-changing innovation is redefining mobile communication!

Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation.The first users received text messages from T-Mobile