- While some Tiktoks claim iOS 18.3 install Starlink on your iPhone, that is not the case
- In the US, Starlink connectivity is only available in T-Mobile and Beta
- iOS 18.3 Does not install this connectivity, but makes a network change
IOS 18.3 is here, and contrary to the rumors that extend in Tiktok and other places, it does not install Elon Musk’s Starlink technology on its iPhone. Therefore, there is no reason not to get the last update of iOS on your iPhone and make sure you are updated.
IOS 18.3 It is a relatively lower update, which mainly impacts Apple’s intelligence, which allows the characteristics of AI by default and implements some corrections for notification summaries, and solve several errors. However, it makes a change for T-Mobile customers by allowing the carrier’s alignments to be potentially connect to the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16.
Is No, However, allowing that default connection, and the T-Mobile Association with Starlink is still in beta for a few selected customers who choose to join it and then be selected to participate. Apple does not have an association with Starlink, but T-Mobile yes, and must opt for some ways. We are going to unpack this ahead.
The myth: iOS 18.3 Install Starlink on your iPhone
The concern in the now viral Tiktoks is that the latest version of iOS basically adds a direct connection to Starlink to your iPhone. The main point of concern is that ‘Starlink can now work with iPhone and access it’ without any formal Apple announcement about whether it is a mandatory connection.
Initially, Apple launched its emergency SOS through the satellite service together with the iPhone 14, with support for iPhone 15 and 16, so that smartphones can connect to a satellite. However, it is not lit by default and is only dedicated when there is no available LTE or Wi-Fi network.
Since then, some operators have offered satellite networks along with a typical telephone network. T-Mobile is doing that, and initially announced its association with Starlink in August 2022.
Apple also updated a support page that details how to turn off satellite functions with operators. To do this, open the configuration, navigate to cellular, select your bearer and turn off the ‘satellite’.
Simply, however, iOS 18.3 does not install Starlink on the iPhone. Essentially, it is packaged within iOS 18.3 as an operator network configuration update for T-Mobile that allows connection. However, it is not activated by default, and must be selected to join the beta version after requesting a place.
The reality: T-Mobile has an association with Starlink that is currently in Beta e ios 18.3 is safe to install
No, iOS 18.3 does not add a direct line to the Starlink network, forced or not forced, as some viral Tiktoks affirm. Makes changes in the configuration of the network that allow the iPhone 14, 15 or 16 connected to T-Mobile to connect to the T-Mobile 1900MHz spectrum, to which it is accessed through the antenna ‘Band 25’ on the iPhone for access the Starlink network.
Even for that network connection to happen, you must have an eligible T-Mobile plan, register for the beta version and be selected to participate in it. Then, it must be in an area where it is compatible with that network and when a typical cellular or Wi-Fi network is not available. You will know that this is the case when you see that “SAT” replaces the standard and “4g”, “5G” or “5G UW” cell bars in the upper right corner of its iPhone.
T-Mobile opened its Beta Starlink Network program in December 2024, and interested clients have been able to register for it. First it was available for Android smartphones, and then the iPhone capacity was implemented with iOS 18.3.
The association and capacity of T-Mobile devices to connect to direct technology to the Starlink cell are aimed at reducing dead areas and allowing users to stay connected. T-Mobile is also the only cellular network in the United States that this association has with Starlink.
Apple satellite connectivity for its iPhone under the ‘Emergency SOS’ function is not Starlink and is performed through an association with Globalstar.
In addition, it is also a better practice to keep your iPhone and other devices updated, since the use of older software can make them more susceptible to security and privacy problems. IOS 18.3, like most iOS updates, brings some new features, but also, sometimes, critical corrections of important security errors and patches.
Then, Long Story Story, iOS 18.3 does not add a direct connection to Starlink to your iPhone. It simply allows an iPhone connected to T-Mobile to use that network when it is out of traditional coverage if you have opted for the beta version and has been selected. It is also an association between T-Mobile and Starlink: Apple is not involved there and has no impact or change in Apple emergency sos through satellite functionality. That service has been using GlobalStar satellites since its inception.
If you are in T-Mobile and want to choose not to use Starlink, open the configuration on your iPhone, click on cellular, select your operator (in this case, T-Mobile) and turn off the satellite.
