iOS 18.5 Unleashes Satellite Connectivity for iPhone 13 Series: Operator-Enabled Features Revealed!

With the release of iOS 18.3, iPhone connectivity has seen significant enhancements. Specifically, the iPhone 14 and newer models now support SpaceX satellites, allowing them to perform certain functions like sending messages in areas far from cellular towers. The upcoming iOS 18.5 update will extend this capability to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, enabling them to utilize satellite functions offered by certain carriers.

How are these phones able to connect to satellites without the specific components found in the newer iPhone 14 models? Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites include an LTE modem that acts as a mobile phone tower in space. This means there is no need to overhaul the hardware, though a partnership between Starlink and a terrestrial operator is required for network integration. Compatible operators, however, are currently only available in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Eligible users will need to enable a setting in the iOS settings menu to use this feature.

This development is distinct from Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite system introduced with the iPhone 14, which relies on Globalstar satellites and requires specific hardware integrated into the phone. Although this service is not available on the iPhone 13, subscribers of certain carriers can still enjoy connectivity in remote locations with the new update.