iPhones Now Use Starlink Satellites—But Not the Way Elon Musk Planned
In a dramatic twist in the race to dominate satellite connectivity for smartphones, Apple is now tapping into Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites—without ever paying a dime to SpaceX. The story goes back to 2022, when Musk tried to push Apple into a billion-dollar deal. Fast-forward to today, and iPhones are connected to the stars, but not on Musk’s terms.
Musk’s 2022 Ultimatum: $5 Billion or War
In August 2022, just before Apple was set to reveal the iPhone 14, CEO Tim Cook received a high-stakes call from Elon Musk. The proposal? A $5 billion partnership to integrate Starlink satellite internet into Apple devices. The threat? If Apple declined, Musk would launch a direct competing service.
Apple refused—and quietly continued with its own strategy.
Apple’s Secret Satellite Project: Project Eagle
What Musk might not have known is that Apple had been exploring satellite tech since 2015. Known as Project Eagle, the initiative aimed to build a proprietary satellite network in collaboration with Boeing. The vision: a wireless, operator-free internet connection for all Apple devices.
But concerns over regulatory classification as a telecom provider and potential fallout with key partners like AT&T and Verizon led Apple to shelve the plan.
Instead, Apple opted for a more discreet move: a satellite-based SOS emergency feature in partnership with Globalstar—a more compliant, low-profile alternative to SpaceX.
Musk Strikes Back: Starlink + T-Mobile Launches Direct-to-Cell
Weeks before the iPhone 14 launched, Musk revealed his counteroffensive: a partnership with T-Mobile to launch Starlink Direct to Cell, a service offering full mobile connectivity—calls, texts, even video streaming—directly from satellites, with no special hardware required.
And the irony? Even iPhones can now access Starlink’s Direct to Cell—as long as users are subscribed to T-Mobile.
The Present and Future of Satellite-Connected Devices
The satellite smartphone revolution is only just beginning.
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The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to include native satellite connectivity
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Starlink is expanding into new markets, including Chile, Peru, and beyond
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Global competition is heating up as more tech giants eye the skies
Musk, though sidelined by Apple, continues pushing Starlink as the future of global connectivity—even suggesting Apple missed a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Apple vs Musk: Strategic Genius or Missed Opportunity?
By rejecting Musk’s offer, Tim Cook avoided becoming dependent on a volatile partner. Many see this as a strategic win, ensuring Apple retains control over its ecosystem. But others argue that Apple sacrificed innovation for stability.
In the battle for satellite supremacy, one thing is clear:
The future belongs to those bold enough to reach for the sky.