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Instead,denizens of TikTok and the internetare claiming there’s something more insidious in the update.
And it all ties back toElon Muskand the satellite internet companyStarlink.
Among the changes to iOS 18.3 is theaddition of Starlink satellite connectivityforT-Mobilecustomers.
So what’s really going on?
Here’s what we’ve been able to find out.
Starlink on T-Mobile iPhones: Why are people concerned?
On a basic level, no one wants things shoved on their devices that they didn’t ask for.
That may have have raised suspicions about this Musk-adjacent product.
What is T-Mobile doing?
T-Mobile and SpaceX, which operates Starlink, launched a partnership in August 2022.
At the time, those satellites were only capable of SMS messaging with voice support promised by 2025.
Since then, T-Mobile claims that 330 satellites have launched.
In mid-December of 2024, T-Mobile opened up abeta Starlink messaging programfor some Samsung Galaxy users.
So it’s important to note that this beta is open to both iPhone and Android users.
What about AT&T and Verizon connected devices?
AT&T andVerizonboth have partnerships with other satellite service provides.
AT&T utilizes satellites from a company called AST SpaceMobile, which launched satellites inlast September.
The plan is to eventually offer data, text, video and voice services via this partnership.
It’s unclear how far along that process is now.
Like T-Mobile, AT&T will likely charge for this service when it’s up.
Verizon, meanwhile, is partnered with a company called Skylo.
Verizon expects to launch texting via satellite this year, with abeta programgetting underway at the end of January.
So what does iOS 18.3 actually do?
You do need to be on a T-Mobile customer to access that feature.
To do so, launch the options app go to Cellular and then your carrier or phone number.
From there tap Satellite to turn it off.
We will provide more details about the commercial service at launch."
It’s unclear when how long T-Mobile plans to initiate the beta program.
Will the list of compatible phones expand?
More devices will be optimized over time so yo stay tuned.
Find out more:https://sms.t-mobile.com/z3iPTYsK"."
Once it goes live will you be able to opt out like you currently can via the tweaks app?
That’s all unclear for now.
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