Background: Apple’s Current Satellite Service
Apple’s iPhones already use Globalstar’s satellite network for the Emergency SOS feature, allowing users to call emergency services and share location when out of cellular or Wi‑Fi range. Apple has invested roughly $2 billion in Globalstar but avoids a carrier‑like regulatory status, which is why the service remains free for users.
Why Apple Is Looking at Starlink
Globalstar’s market position is weakening as SpaceX’s Starlink gains dominance. The chair of Globalstar, James Monroe, has even floated a potential $10 billion sale of the company. In response, Apple is reportedly negotiating with SpaceX to integrate Starlink’s direct‑to‑cell capability into the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
What Direct‑to‑Cell Means for iPhone Users
The proposed feature would work on existing iPhone hardware—no extra antenna or modem required. It would allow the phone to connect directly to Starlink satellites, providing:
- 5G Non‑Terrestrial Network (NTN) coverage, extending cellular reach via satellites.
- Higher throughput and lower latency thanks to Starlink’s Gen2 satellites.
- Potential integration of satellite connectivity into third‑party apps via an Apple‑provided API.
SpaceX’s Recent Moves Strengthen the Case
SpaceX recently acquired EchoStar’s wireless spectrum for $17 billion, paving the way for faster satellite broadband on phones worldwide. The FCC also authorized up to 15,000 Gen2 Starlink satellites, doubling the constellation’s capacity and enabling a 20× increase in direct‑to‑cell throughput. Additionally, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced collaborations with chipmakers to embed satellite connectivity directly into smartphones.
Timeline and Outlook
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that next‑gen iPhones could support 5G NTN as early as 2026. If Apple finalizes the Starlink partnership, the iPhone 18 Pro series—expected later this year—could be the first devices to showcase the technology, with broader rollout in subsequent models.
Implications for the Industry
Integrating Starlink’s satellite network would reduce Apple’s reliance on Globalstar, potentially reshaping the satellite‑mobile market. For SpaceX, a partnership with Apple would cement its position as the premier provider of satellite‑based connectivity for both consumer and defense sectors.