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's latest software update, which was released on Monday (January 27), now supports Starlink's technology.

The news was confirmed by SpaceX founder Elon Musk on X earlier this week.

T-Mobile announced a partnership with SpaceX more than two years ago to deploy mobile signal connectivity from space to cover dead spots.

At the time, the carrier noted that Starlink was an option for Samsung phones, not Apple. This was because of the latter's partnership with Globalstar, which allows customers to send texts and contact emergency responders when there's no cellular service available.

Apple even took a 20 percent ownership stake in satellite company Globalstar in an equity deal worth around $400 million in November 2024.

But this week, it's emerged that T-Mobile's Starlink beta has a new toggle switch in their iPhone cellular data settings to manage the satellite feature.

“You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3," said T-Mobile in a text message to the first beta users.

Both Apple and SpaceX declined to comment, while shares in Globalstar dropped by 11 percent.

Back in 2022, when Apple and Globalstar announced their partnership, Musk confirmed that Starlink and Apple had some "promising conversations."