Elon Musk: 'We've Had Promising Conversations With Apple About Starlink Connectivity'

With the launch of the iPhone 14 models yesterday, Apple introduced a new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that's designed to allow iPhone users to get emergency help in off-the-grid areas even when a cell or internet connection is not available.

Musk said that his company has had some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink.

If phone software and hardware adapt to space-based signals vs Starlink purely emulating cell tower, Musk says that space to iPhone communications will work best.

We’ve had some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity. iPhone team is obv super smart. For sure, closing link from space to phone will work best if phone software & hardware adapt to space-based signals vs Starlink purely emulating cell tower. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 8, 2022

There is no word on whether Apple will enter into a partnership to use Starlink technology or not.

In August, the two companies announced a partnership for a new "satellite-to-cellular" service that will allow second- generation Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit to pair with T-Mobile's mid-band 5G spectrum for the purpose of providing "near complete coverage"

T-Mobile and SpaceX's solution should work with existing phones, unlike Apple's solution that requires an iPhone 14. There are still some details that need to be worked out between T-Mobile and SpaceX.

Apple's satellite communication feature is designed for emergency situations and is used to send short text messages to emergency personnel to allow iPhone users to get assistance wherever they are. A clear line of sight to the sky is required for a satellite to connect, and Apple's service is free for the time being.