Good news for iPhone 13 users! Apple’s latest software update, iOS 18.5, quietly unlocked a surprising new feature for your phone: access to a different kind of satellite connectivity. This isn’t the SOS feature found on newer iPhones, but a service designed for everyday text messaging, and it’s going live very soon thanks to T-Mobile’s new T-Satellite service. Get ready to stay connected even when you’re miles away from a regular cell tower.
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Here’s the rundown on what this means for you: who can use it, what you can do, when it starts, and how much it costs.
Who Can Access This Satellite Service?
If you own an iPhone 13 (any model!), you’re now included. This service is actually designed to work with most modern smartphones that have the right software update. That includes many Android phones and iPhones from the iPhone 13 series onwards.
It’s important to note this is different from the emergency satellite SOS available on iPhone 14 and later models, which relies on specific hardware that isn’t in the iPhone 13. This new system is what’s called “carrier-supported” satellite connectivity. Right now, T-Mobile is the first and only U.S. carrier to support this particular technology, which uses Starlink satellites. However, don’t worry, it doesn’t install Starlink software on your phone – it simply lets your phone connect to the satellites through the service.
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What Can You Actually Do With It?
The main benefit is staying connected via text message even when you have no cellular signal. This is huge if you live, work, or travel in areas with spotty coverage. For iPhone users initially, this capability will primarily be for standard text messages.
Interestingly, when the service officially launches, Android users will have access to more features right away, including sending and receiving multimedia messages, picture messages, and even short audio clips over the satellite link. More capabilities are expected to be added for iPhones in the future.
What makes this service stand out is how easy it is to use. Unlike older satellite phones or even the iPhone 14’s SOS feature which sometimes requires you to point your phone, this connection is designed to work even if your phone is just in your pocket. This ease of use is why some are calling it a “game-changer” for staying in touch off-grid.
When Does It Go Live?
The T-Satellite service is currently in beta testing but is set to become accessible to any compatible mobile phone user, regardless of their carrier, starting Wednesday, July 23.
While T-Mobile is launching the service, they have announced that even customers on other networks like AT&T and Verizon will be able to access it. Initially, T-Mobile is also providing 911 texting via satellite for Starlink subscribers, with plans to extend this critical emergency feature to any compatible phone user later in the year, even those not subscribed to Starlink or T-Mobile’s specific plan. The beta program has already seen significant use, including participation from customers on other networks.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s the pricing breakdown:
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond Subscribers: Great news! If you’re on T-Mobile’s highest-tier plan, this satellite connectivity is included at no extra cost beyond your regular monthly bill.
- Others (Including AT&T and Verizon Customers): If you’re not on a T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan, you can access the T-Satellite service for $10 per month. This allows users on competing networks with compatible phones (like your iPhone 13) to utilize the service when needed.
This new capability essentially gives your iPhone 13 a significant connectivity upgrade, potentially allowing you to send texts from places where you previously had no service at all.
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This expansion of satellite connectivity to older iPhones is a notable step, making off-grid communication more accessible. Keep an eye out for July 23rd to see this new feature in action.
