Kevin Heinz/CNET 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, including TikTok videos advising users to avoid upgrading to iOS 18.3 or "you'll have Starlink right in their pocket," but the supposed Apple and SpaceX partnership wasn't true. Instead, the iOS 18.3 updates simply let iPhone owners benefit from a different partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX, wherein the carrier's customers will be able to harness the latter's satellite network to connect when they don't have a cell signal. In December, T-Mobile announced that its customers could start signing up for a beta program to test connectivity through Starlink satellites in "early 2025." Following that timeline, it makes sense that Apple would introduce this functionality in iPhones right now. An updated Apple support page clarifies further how iPhone users can now selectively toggle on or off satellite connectivity through their carrier. Just go to Settings > Cellular > your carrier or phone number and turn off satellite (if it's not visible, your carrier doesn't provide this service or doesn't provide it for your plan). Owners of iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 phones can still access Emergency SOS and social texting through Apple's own satellite service, which uses Globalstar's network of satellites. It can also be used alongside a carrier's satellite services. With its upcoming beta test, T-Mobile is ahead in the carrier race for providing satellite connectivity to its customers. Being able to stay connected via social or emergency messages beyond the reach of mobile networks has been a differentiator for iPhones for years, and will likely be something carriers trumpet as a value addition to their services over their rivals. How much satellite connectivity will cost isn't clear, but like 5G, it's the next frontier for expanding coverage. AT&T and Verizon have both partnered with AST SpaceMobile for satellite connectivity, though that company just received Federal Communications Commission approval for using its initial five commercial satellites to provide cellular broadband capabilities to, in this case, terrestrial carrier customers. Verizon also teamed up with satellite network company Skylo back in August to supplement its non-terrestrial network customer coverage. Plus, Verizon still has a partnership with Amazon's Project Kuiper dating back to 2021, which may still provide backhaul coverage for its cellular network and other possible future work (the nascent satellite company launched its first two test satellites back in October). Mobile Guides