Since its introduction on the iPhone 14 in 2022, satellite connectivity has been available, but with limitations. That could change next year, according to The Information, which reports that Apple plans to support “5G networks that are not connected to the Earth’s surface, which includes satellites.” Such support would “give the iPhone full access to satellite Internet.”
It has also been reported that Apple may change the release cycle of standard iPhone models, so the iPhone 18 could be released in spring 2027, the same time as the iPhone 18e. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will remain on a fall release schedule, and will be joined by the new foldable iPhone. With this new round in place, satellite connectivity could debut with the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone in 2026.
However, the current state of satellite connectivity is limited to emergency services, and there are no existing services providing 5G via satellite for regular use. In the United States, users can use Satellite in two ways with an iPhone 14 or later: Apple offers a service for use with Emergency SOS, Find My, and Messages; and T-Mobile offers a suite of mobile services including Starlink satellite, which has limited capabilities.
It’s unclear whether 5G satellite service will be ready in time for the iPhone 18 Pro release. Apple is currently working with Globalstar for its satellite connectivity, but Globalstar appears to be on shaky ground: the company is looking to be acquired and recently said any loss of a major partner would have serious consequences for its finances. The information indicates that Apple and SpaceX (which provides the Starlink service) could strike a deal, since SpaceX recently implemented support for the iPhone’s satellite radio spectrum.
