iPhone 18 Pro : Apple preparing a partnership with SpaceX for satellite 5G
Apple appears to be gearing up for significant advancements in satellite connectivity. According to a recent report from The Information, the Cupertino giant is preparing a major hardware upgrade for the iPhone 18 Pro to enable satellite 5G connectivity — a technology that could pave the way for a historic partnership with SpaceX and its Starlink network.
iPhone 18 Pro: Towards a smartphone compatible with “off-Earth” 5G
Since the iPhone 14, Apple has already offered limited satellite connectivity with its emergency SOS feature, allowing users to contact emergency services without network coverage.
However, with the iPhone 18, scheduled for release in 2026, the company hopes to expand this capability significantly: granting full access to satellite 5G networks, which are not connected to the Earth’s surface.
“Starting next year, iPhones could support non-terrestrial 5G networks,” reports The Information.
This would mean that the iPhone 18 Pro could communicate directly with next-generation satellites — potentially those from SpaceX.
SpaceX: Apple’s likely future ally?
Currently, Apple collaborates with Globalstar, the provider for satellite connectivity for the SOS mode. However, according to the report, Globalstar is seeking to be sold for around $10 billion, a clear signal that the two companies may be heading for a split.
This situation could open the door to a partnership between Apple and SpaceX, particularly since Starlink is deploying new satellites compatible with the same frequency bands used by current iPhones.
An almost inevitable alliance
It’s worth noting that Elon Musk has previously tried to persuade Apple to collaborate several years ago, but to no avail.
Today, the conditions seem to finally align:
- SpaceX is a leader in the satellite market,
- Apple seeks to expand its connected services,
- and Starlink 5G technology is approaching commercial maturity.
If an agreement is reached, the iPhone 18 Pro could become the first consumer smartphone to natively access Starlink satellite internet without relying on a carrier.
An anticipated revolution
With the rise of non-terrestrial communications, satellite 5G promises to be the next major leap in mobile connectivity. And if Apple remains true to its strategy, it will likely prefer to partner with the best player in the field rather than develop everything in-house.
In other words: the Apple–SpaceX duo could soon redefine global mobile connectivity.
