Beyond the features introduced in the newest iOS 18.3 update, rumors sprouted that iPhone functionality now includes a new addition: the capability to connect to SpaceX's Starlink satellite network. Alarm bells rang on social media and support forums that Apple had made a deal with the Elon Musk-owned space company,

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

Apple Inc. has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, providing an alternative to the company’s in-house satellite-communication service.

However, the Bloomberg report states that a select number of iPhone users have been able to enable the Starlink beta through T-Mobile. While we don't know which models will be compatible as of yet, T-Mobile told Bloomberg that the full release will support the vast majority of iPhones.

A few days ago it was claimed that Apple and SpaceX had been secretly working together, but the latest update doesn’t force Starlink onto your device.

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.

In 2022, Apple became the first mainstream smartphone maker to add satellite connectivity to its mobile devices, debuting a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in the iPhone 14 lineup. Now, it’s taking its satellite features in a new — and arguably more useful — direction with support for the SpaceX Starlink network.

Contrary to rumors being spread on TikTok and elsewhere, iOS 18.3 doesn’t install Elon Musk’s Starlink tech on your iPhone.