Starlink developed by SpaceX has released its new service “Direct to Cell” which is being tested on some latest smartphones. This service will now provide satellite connectivity on smartphones in partnership with SpaceX and T-Mobile. This will allow the phone to be contacted without any network in a serious disaster. However, the service of Starlink Satellite connectivity will be available on only a few selected smartphones. The complete details of those devices are given below.
Some time ago Bloomberg had predicted that SpaceX and T-Mobile are working on Starlink satellite connectivity in a secret partnership, which has come true today. SpaceX has launched more than 20 Starlink satellites for mobile communication. Which can start direct-to-cell service in smartphones. Although earlier there was a hint of testing only on Samsung smartphones. But now iPhones are also eligible for this. T-Mobile has confirmed this. Let’s take a look at those devices.
Starlink Satellite Powered mobile phones
A report has revealed that some selected iPhone smartphones are eligible for Starlink Satellite connectivity. Devices above Apple’s iPhone 14 series, which are using phones on iOS 18.3 update, can use direct satellite connectivity. Apart from this, some selected Samsung smartphones are also included which will have a stable update of Android 15-based OneUI 7.0.
Apple devices for Starlink Satellite Connectivity
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung devices for Starlink Satellite Connectivity
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25 edge
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
Apart from this, it is expected that Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi may also join this in the future. In which the hardware enables the facility of satellite connectivity. For this, we will have to wait a bit.
rollout of Direct to Cell services is structured in phases:
Currently, Starlink satellite has only released a messaging facility, apart from this it can provide internet connectivity and calling service in the future. Which is expected to be a free service. Some timeline details of its release are given below.
- Text Messaging: Initiated in 2025.
- Data and IoT Connectivity: Scheduled to commence in 2026.
- Voice Services: Planned for future implementation.
