iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Support Full 5G Satellite Internet

[MacRumors]

At least some new iPhone models launching next year may support full 5G satellite internet, according to a report this week from The Information.

"Apple plans to add support in upcoming iPhones as early as next year for 5G networks that aren't tethered to Earth's surface, which includes satellites," the report said. "That would give the iPhone full internet access over satellite," it added.

If the earliest 2026 timeframe is met, that means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the long-rumored foldable iPhone would likely be the first models to support full 5G satellite internet, followed by the standard iPhone 18 around March 2027.

Even if support is added, there is currently no service that delivers full 5G satellite internet directly to a smartphone. Apple's own satellite features on iPhone 14 models and newer are limited to the Emergency SOS feature, the Find My and Messages apps, and roadside assistance, while T-Mobile's Starlink service is also limited to select functions and apps. Both options require you to have a clear view of the sky.

iPhones can already achieve high-speed internet speeds over a satellite connection, when used in conjunction with a Starlink satellite dish, which creates a Wi-Fi network. In the U.S., Starlink charges $50 per month for 50GB of data and $165 per month for unlimited data, while the portable Starlink Mini dish is currently on sale for $299.

The long-term vision is that iPhones would eventually be able to achieve full 5G satellite internet directly, without Starlink hardware.

Apple partners with Globalstar for its iPhone satellite features, while Starlink is offered by SpaceX.

The report outlined four "hints" that suggest a deal between Apple and SpaceX could eventually "be back on the table," despite the fact that Apple and SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk have had a rocky relationship over the years.

Those hints, according to the report:

• SpaceX recently added support for the same radio spectrum that Apple uses for its iPhone satellite features.
• Globalstar's executive chairman Jay Monroe has apparently discussed the idea of selling the company for more than $10 billion.
• Globalstar's most recent quarterly earnings report includes a new warning about how the loss of a major customer — believed to be Apple — would likely have a material adverse impact on its finances.
• Apple plans to add full 5G satellite internet support to iPhones as early as next year.

However, it remains to be seen if Apple and Musk can truly bury the bad blood between them.

Article Link: iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Support Full 5G Satellite Internet

 

[turbineseaplane]

However, it remains to be seen if Apple and Musk can truly bury the bad blood between them.

It’s nearly impossible to have a good, predictable, relationship with Musk.

He’s so mercurial and petty.

 

[bigandtasty]

Hopefully 18 does not have aluminum chassis and a return to glass/titanium

 

[kyjaotkb]

bring back telescopic antennae!

 

[dustin_]

iPhones can already achieve high-speed internet speeds over a satellite connection, when used in conjunction with a Starlink satellite dish, which creates a Wi-Fi network.

Huh? How’s this any different than connecting to a WiFi network that’s using a fiber or cable connection? Why’s the “ability” to use Starlink via WiFi even included in this article?

 

[jsavvy]

This would be surprising since Apple rarely pushes out a connectivity feature that is not supported yet…unless it’s an Apple proprietary standard.

 

[boswald]

As much as Elon has let me down over the years, I can’t help but admit I admire SpaceX and its mission to help bring the internet to everyone. With Apple backing them, anything is possible. I try to leave politics out of it.

 

[breather]

SpaceX would probably be the best one when it comes to coverage. But I hate the idea of giving Musk more money, he is also a lose canon, and Apple does not like lose canons.

 

[bmark]

5G Satellite Internet is going be expensive! I could see massive roaming fees using the service.

 

[kotaKat]

Yeah. It’s going to be Globalstar providing services with the C3 constellation being deployed as we speak.

Look at the reports at Globalstar Investor Relations and line them up with Apple.
November 2024 - Globalstar gets a 10 year ops license in Mexico.
May 2025 - Apple launches iMessage/Find My over Sat to Mexico.

Apple has sunk over half a billion dollars into Globalstar’s C3 system with $290 million already up in the sky and $280 million+ already prepaid.

And considering Globalstar is calling their “next generation” satellite system C-3?

… C’mon, guys. Apple just dropped the C1X modem this year, C2 modem next year, and C3 modem in 2027-2028 for the next-gen sat service.

https://investors.globalstar.com/news-releases/news-release-details/globalstar-enter-next-era-mobile-satellite-connectivity-expanded

Breaking ground on even more ground stations in Alaska — “up to 90 new tracking antennas supporting Globalstar’s third generation C-3 Satellite System”… https://investors.globalstar.com/ne...ces-construction-new-ground-station-talkeetna

 

[ifxf]

Amazon satellite service is the dark horse.

 

[Apple-achian]

5G Satellite Internet is going be expensive! I could see massive roaming fees using the service

It will be worth it when it has mass adoption. It needs to be subsidized, by consumers or the taxpayer at first.

 

[Bkfraiders7]

Or…Apple could be partnering with ASTS, the satellite partner for AT&T and Verizon (and Vodafone and Bell and 46 more global MNOs). It makes more sense than then partnering with SpaceX after the bad blood.

 

[bmark]

It will be worth it when it has mass adoption. It needs to be subsidized, by consumers or the taxpayer at first.

That's a long time away. I could see this being useful in emergency situations only.

 

[Two Appleseeds]

This is actually pretty huge. If Apple pulls this off, it could transform the entire cell service industry across the planet. Maybe not on day one, but over time we might be looking at a new paradigm.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Wonder what the battery life impact will be like. Who here remembers when the 12s came with 5G capabilities?

 

[Madolan]

It’s nearly impossible to have a good, predictable, relationship with Musk.

He’s so mercurial and petty.

When wackos try to burn down your dealerships, touch your cars and charging stations, cost your company billions of dollars and make death threats against you might be a little cranky.

 

[vertsix]

This will be game changing, almost to the same level as the invention of cellular connectivity, since it will be brought to the masses.

 

[pbau]

Apple - remember of EU customers on this.

 

[turbineseaplane]

When wackos try to burn down your dealerships, touch your cars and charging stations, cost your company billions of dollars and make death threats against you might be a little cranky.

Yeah, what on Earth could have made Musk so unpopular?

 

[Dr McKay]

Yeah, what on Earth could have made Musk so unpopular?

Don’t try to reason with musk fans, you can’t reason somebody out of a position they didn’t reason themselves into.

 

[buddhistMonkey]

The report outlined four "hints" that suggest a deal between Apple and SpaceX could eventually "be back on the table," despite the fact that Apple and SpaceX's CEO Elon Musk have had a rocky relationship over the years.

I certainly hope not. Elon Musk is not honorable or well-intentioned, and it’s both a tragedy and a danger that two companies with such importance to our world’s future are in the hands of an enfant terrible with no filter or moral compass.

 

[swm]

out of the things that never gonna happen, this won't happen the most.

 

[TalkieToaster]

For the flat earthers: That's the above-firmament ethernet 🤪

 

[jz0309]

Maybe this is a good thing, maybe the beginning of the end of the mobile carriers that we know today ...