Apple negotiates with SpaceX for iPhone 18 Pro Starlink access

Apple eyes Starlink for future iPhones, signaling a pivot away from Globalstar toward built-in satellite coverage without extra hardware.

Apple and SpaceX talks

• Apple negotiates with SpaceX.
• The goal centers on direct satellite connectivity.
• No add-on gear required for users.

Targeted iPhone models

• Feature aimed at iPhone 18 Pro.
• iPhone 18 Pro Max is also included.
• Uses satellites instead of towers.

Shift away from Globalstar

• Apple currently relies on Globalstar.
• Service covers Emergency SOS and messaging.
• The relationship appears to be cooling.

Why Globalstar looks shaky

• James Monroe floats a possible sale.
• Valuation talk exceeds $10 billion.
• Starlink's dominance pressures the business.

Why Apple hesitates to buy

• Apple invested roughly $2 billion already.
• Carrier-style regulation remains a blocker.
• Satellite access stays free for users.

Starlink angle

• Starlink direct-to-cell supports unmodified phones.
• Leverages low Earth orbit satellites.
• Competes directly with terrestrial coverage gaps.

Future tech support

• iPhones are expected to support 5G NTN.
• Satellites extend cellular reach.
• Apple plans developer APIs for satellite features.

SpaceX's recent moves

• SpaceX buys EchoStar spectrum for $17 billion.
• Improves phone-focused connectivity speeds.
• Gwynne Shotwell confirms chipmaker talks.

Satellite scale advantage

• Federal Communications Commission approves Gen2 expansion.
• Up to 15,000 second-generation satellites allowed.
• Enables higher capacity and lower latency.