Starlink on iPhone 18 Pro? – Elon Musk’s SpaceX Reportedly to Partner with Apple

Apple and Elon Musk’s SpaceX might be getting into big business together. The tech world is going bananas on social media this week after a viral X post claimed Apple is planning to integrate Starlink connectivity into the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro.

This alleged partnership between two tech behemoths promises to transform how smartphones connect to the internet and increase the reach of satellite networks far beyond current emergency features. According to the original social post referencing a report from The Information, Apple and SpaceX are in talks that could lead to Starlink internet support on the iPhone 18 Pro as early as 2026.

Now, while Apple already includes limited satellite services for emergency messaging through partnerships with companies like Globalstar, full Starlink integration could be a next-level leap in what mobile connectivity can offer.

Is Apple Really Partnering Up with Elon’s SpaceX?

Now, the viral X post that started all these rumours claims that Apple is in active negotiations with SpaceX to bring Starlink connectivity directly onto the iPhone 18 Pro lineup with a possible release in 2026. Mainly here, the rumour suggests that future iPhones could connect to Starlink satellites for internet access, not merely for emergency or basic text messaging.

Some reporting from outlets confirms there are indeed industry whispers about Apple exploring better satellite connectivity options that could involve Starlink’s low Earth orbit network. But it is important to separate fact from rumours. Currently, iPhones support limited satellite functions, such as Emergency SOS and certain messaging features, through Apple’s partnership with Globalstar.

This feature debuted with the iPhone 14 series and has been expanded in software updates like iOS 18.3 to allow selected users to send texts via Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service in cooperation with carriers such as T-Mobile in the US.

However, this existing capability is not the same as a full commercial partnership between Apple and SpaceX for integrated Starlink internet on Apple devices. At present, Apple has not publicly confirmed any exclusive deal with SpaceX, and the current satellite access through T-Mobile’s beta programme does not amount to Apple adopting Starlink as its main satellite provider.

Moreover, rumours about Apple ditching its Globalstar arrangement in favour of Starlink are doing the rounds, but none have been officially verified. Additionally, there are reports that Apple continues to expand support for a range of carrier satellite services globally, including Starlink Direct to Cell in markets like Japan and New Zealand, further fueling this viral theory.

What Starlink on iPhone Could Mean

If Apple and SpaceX were to agree on a full integration of Starlink connectivity in the iPhone 18 Pro, the implications would be massive. Full broadband satellite internet in a smartphone would mean an incredible advance in connectivity, particularly for users in rural or remote areas where terrestrial networks are weak or absent. It would also mean that getting emergency services might become a lot easier.

Furthermore, it could pressure other smartphone makers such as Samsung and OnePlus to follow suit, changing the entire ecosystem for mobile connectivity. However, there are also technical and regulatory hurdles to consider.

Integrating Starlink internet would probably require new hardware within iPhones, including advanced antennas and modems capable of handling direct satellite communication. Securing spectrum rights and regulatory approval in multiple countries would be another substantial challenge. So while this partnership is not official yet, if it does become official, it could change how we use iPhones forever.

Originally published on IBTimes UK