Bloomberg News first reported on Tuesday that Apple, SpaceX and T-Mobile had been secretively working to add support for the network.

Apple introduced the "Emergency SOS" feature, which relies on Globalstar's satellite network. There are now indications, however, that Apple is exploring support for Starlink's satellite network. Following the release of iOS 18.

Apple is said to be in secret talks with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add Starlink support, boosting satellite connectivity for iPhone users.

AST SpaceMobile ( ASTS -11.52%) stock crashed to Earth on Wednesday, falling 9.3% through 9:55 a.m. ET, while rival satellite company Globalstar ( GSAT -20.94%) lost a staggering 27% of its market cap.

Apple Inc. ha estado trabajando en secreto con SpaceX y T-Mobile US Inc. para añadir soporte para la red Starlink en su último software para iPhone, proporcionando una alternativa al servicio interno de comunicación por satélite de la empresa.

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.

Apple 's compatible iPhones now support Starlink's direct-to-cell capability, a service from SpaceX that provides coverage from space. The news was confirmed by T-Mobile, a partner in the project, according to Reuters.

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.

Apples iPhones can now test SpaceXs Starlink direct-to-cell technology, providing satellite coverage for mobile devices. T-Mobile, a key partner in the initiative, confirmed the eligibility of iPhones running iOS 18.

T-Mobile expands Starlink satellite service to iPhone users with iOS 18.3 update, enabling text messaging via satellite in remote areas.

Apple first introduced satellite connectivity features to the iPhone with the release of the iPhone 14 in 2022. The