iOS 18.5 Enables Carrier Satellite Service Like T-Mobile Starlink On Older iPhones (9to5mac.com) 4
With iOS 18.5, Apple is bringing carrier-based satellite connectivity to the entire iPhone 13 lineup, allowing users with compatible carrier plans (like T-Mobile's Starlink-powered service) to access satellite features in areas without traditional coverage. The update is expected to launch next week. 9to5Mac reports: It's important to note that this update does not bring Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite to the iPhone 13 series. That feature relies on specialized hardware found only in iPhone 14 and later and functions independently of carrier networks. It also doesn't "install Starlink" on every iPhone, just support for carrier-provided satellite features like Starlink. By contrast, carrier-provided satellite services behave more like conventional cellular connections and require a participating plan to work.
Good news, bad news (Score:2)
Good: Older iPhones will be able to use the carrier satellite service.
Bad: Due to the marginal state of older iPhone batteries, the satellite will have to be below 5000 feet altitude.