iOS 18.5 Brings Support for Carrier Satellite Connectivity to iPhone 13

May 6, 2025 - By 4idiotz

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Article Summary

Apple’s iOS 18.5 update will enable carrier-provided satellite features on iPhone 13 models, adding satellite connectivity to iPhones that do not support Apple’s built-in satellite functionality through Globalstar. This move aims to expand satellite connectivity to more iPhone users, enhancing their communication capabilities in remote areas.

Original Post

The iOS 18.5 update that Apple plans to release next week will enable carrier-provided satellite features on iPhone 13 models, adding satellite connectivity to iPhones that do not support Apple’s built-in satellite functionality through Globalstar.

Apple says that satellite connectivity provided by carriers will be enabled on all ‌iPhone‌ 13 models, including the ‌iPhone‌ 13, ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini, ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro, and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max. To use the feature, ‌iPhone‌ 13 users will need cellular service that offers a satellite connectivity option, and there are several carriers that have been rolling out the functionality.

In the United States, T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX to provide customers with Starlink Direct service for connecting to Starlink satellites when Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are unavailable. au and One NZ have also introduced satellite connectivity, as has Verizon, though Verizon’s satellite option does not currently work with ‌iPhone‌.

Apple has included built-in satellite connectivity in all iPhones dating back to the ‌iPhone‌ 14 lineup, with connectivity provided through a partnership with Globalstar. Satellite connectivity is useful in rural and remote areas where cellular towers are not available.

What This Means for You

iPhone 13 users will gain satellite connectivity through their carrier, expanding communication capabilities in remote areas.
More carriers are adopting satellite connectivity options, which could lead to increased availability and competition.
While satellite connectivity is expanding, it is still not as widely available as traditional cellular connectivity.