Apple pushed its iOS 18.3 replace yesterday, and we now have proof of a brand new characteristic that was not talked about within the changelog – assist for Starlink’s direct-to-cell service on T-Cellular within the US.
The service launched in beta final month and affords the power to ship and obtain textual content messages in useless zone areas with out cell protection. Now, iPhone 14 or later customers on T-Cellular’s US community can contact emergency providers, ship out textual content messages and share places with their contacts in areas with out cell protection.
The flexibility to message contacts is a notable addition for iPhone customers who had been beforehand restricted to solely contacting emergency providers by way of satellite tv for pc utilizing Globalstar – the default satellite tv for pc connectivity supplier. The Starlink direct-to-cell service additionally works routinely with out having to level the telephone in the direction of a satellite tv for pc. As soon as linked, customers will see the T-Cellular SpaceX standing indicator on their telephones.
T-Cellular customers started receiving textual content messages from the service for the Starlink beta service confirming they may be capable to ship out textual content messages by way of satellite tv for pc if their iPhone helps satellite tv for pc connectivity and is up to date to iOS 18.3.
The service will likely be free throughout the beta testing section, and T-Cellular will present business pricing particulars when it’s absolutely launched later this 12 months. There are plans to develop to knowledge connections and voice calls by way of satellite tv for pc, and T-Cellular has additionally confirmed plans to develop its direct-to-cell service outdoors of the US with world roaming companions and SpaceX.
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