Among the changes to iOS 18.3 is the addition of Starlink satellite connectivity for T-Mobile customers. That addition allows T-Mobile subscribers to sign up for a beta program to test out the satellite connectivity offered by Starlink as part of a partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX first announced three years ago.

Contrary to rumors being spread on TikTok and elsewhere, iOS 18.3 doesn’t install Elon Musk’s Starlink tech on your iPhone.

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,

As of iOS 18.3, T-Mobile subscribers with a compatible iPhone and Starlink beta access are able to connect to Starlink satellites, reports

A few days ago it was claimed that Apple and SpaceX had been secretly working together, but the latest update doesn’t force Starlink onto your device.

While the update does allow iPhone owners to integrate satellite networks from their provider, it doesn’t automatically enable Starlink on iPhones. On Apple forums, people flagged the fear as completely overblown.

In 2022, Apple became the first mainstream smartphone maker to add satellite connectivity to its mobile devices, debuting a new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in the iPhone 14 lineup. Now, it’s taking its satellite features in a new — and arguably more useful — direction with support for the SpaceX Starlink network.