- While some tiktok claims iOS 18.3 installs Starlink on your iPhone, that’s not the case
- In the US, Starlink connection is only available on T-Mobile and in Beta
- iOS 18.3 does not install this connection but makes a network change
IOS 18.3 is here – and unlike rumors spread on Tiktok and elsewhere, it doesn’t install Elon Musk’s Starlink technology on your iPhone. So there’s no need not to get the latest iOS update on your iPhone and make sure you’re up to date.
iOS 18.3 is a relatively minor update that mostly affects Apple Intelligence – enabling AI features by default and rolling some corrections to message listings – and attaching multiple errors. However, it makes a change for T-Mobile customers by allowing iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lineups to potentially connect to the Starlink-driven terrestrial network of the carrier.
That’s it not, To allow this connection by default, and T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink is still in beta for a selected few customers who choose to participate in it and then be elected to participate. Apple doesn’t have a partnership with Starlink, but T-Mobile does and you have to sign up for a few ways. Let’s unpack in front.
Myth: iOS 18.3 installs 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 is that ‘Starlink can now work with iPhone and access it’ without any formal message from Apple if it is a mandatory connection.
Apple initially launched its Emergency SOS via satellite service with iPhone 14 – with support for iPhone 15 and 16 – so smartphones could connect to a satellite. However, it is not by default and is only engaged when there is no LTE or Wi-Fi network available.
Since then, some carriers have offered satellite networks along with a typical telephone network. T-Mobile does, and it originally announced its partnership with Starlink in August 2022.
Apple also updated a support page that describes how to turn off carrier-powered satellite features. To do this, open settings, navigate to cellular, select your carrier and turn off ‘satellite’.
But simply installs iOS 18.3 not Starlink on iPhone. Essentially, it is packed within iOS 18.3 as a Carrier Network setting update for T-Mobile that allows the connection. However, it is not by default and you must be selected to participate in the beta after requesting a place.
Reality: T-Mobile has a partnership with Starlink that is currently in Beta and iOS 18.3 is safe to install
So no, iOS 18.3 does not add a direct line to the Starlink network – forced or unforced – as some viral tiktok claims. It makes changes to network settings that allow T-Mobile connected iPhone 14, 15 or 16 to connect to T-Mobile 1900MHz spectrum, access via antenna ‘Band 25’ on iPhone to access the Starlink network.
Even for the network connection to happen, you must have a legitimate T-Mobile plan, sign up for Beta and be selected to participate in it. Then you need to be in an area where this network is supported and when a typical cellular network or Wi-Fi is not available. You know that is the case when you see “Set” Replace Standard Cellular Bars and “4G”, “5G” or “5G UW” in the upper right corner of your iPhone.
T-Mobile opened its Starlink Network Beta program in December 2024, and interested customers have been able to register for it. It was only available for the Android Smartphones, and then the capacity for iPhone rolled out with iOS 18.3.
The partnership and ability for T-Mobile devices to connect to Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology aims to reduce dead zones and allow users to keep in touch. T-Mobile is also the only cellular network in the United States that has this partnership with Starlink.
Apple’s satellite connection to its iPhone under the ‘Emergency SOS’ feature is not Starlink and is performed through a partnership with Globalstar.
In addition, keeping your iPhone and other devices up to date is also best practice, as using 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 bug fixes and important security fixes.
So long story short, iOS 18.3 doesn’t add a direct connection to Starlink to your iPhone. It simply allows a T-Mobile-connected iPhone to use this network when you are out of traditional coverage if you have chosen the beta and have been selected. It is also a partnership between T-Mobile and Starlink-Apple is not involved there, and it has no influence or change of Apple’s emergencies via satellite functionality. This service has used Globalstar satellites since its inception.
If you are on T-Mobile and want to opt out of using StarLink, open settings on your iPhone, click Cellular, select your carrier (in this case T-Mobile) and turn off satellite.
