A new report from The Information suggests that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could debut full-fledged 5G satellite connectivity — a breakthrough that would transform the very idea of mobile access. If the reports hold true, future iPhone users could enjoy broadband-level connectivity virtually anywhere on the planet, even in places completely beyond the reach of Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
From Emergency SOS to Always-On Connectivity
Currently, iPhones offer Emergency SOS via satellite, a life-saving feature that allows users to send text messages to emergency responders when cellular service is unavailable. However, this system is constrained to basic communication and doesn’t support broader internet usage.
Full 5G satellite connectivity would change that, providing genuine broadband speeds through direct links to satellites — a far cry from today’s limited “off-grid” capabilities.
Partnership with SpaceX and Starlink
According to the report, Apple has partnered with SpaceX, the operator of the Starlink satellite constellation, to bring this ambitious project to life. SpaceX recently added support for the same frequency bands Apple uses for Emergency SOS, signaling that deeper integration is likely in progress.
Starlink currently requires users to rely on external antennas and hardware kits, a setup ill-suited for mobile devices. If Apple manages to build these satellite transceivers directly into the compact frame of an iPhone, it would mark a watershed moment in both design and connectivity engineering.
A World-First Smartphone Innovation
No smartphone today offers true 5G satellite broadband. If Apple pulls this off, the iPhone 18 Pro would be the first commercially available handset to achieve always-on global connectivity — effectively merging traditional mobile networks with orbit-based communications.
One lingering question is cost. It remains to be seen whether this feature will come as standard or be tied to a premium subscription. For context, current Starlink plans range from $80 to $120 per month for unlimited data, while a mobile plan with a 50GB limit costs around $50.
The Road Ahead for Apple’s Satellite Ambitions
Apple’s interest in satellite technology isn’t new. Earlier reports revealed that the company has been in quiet discussions with SpaceX for several years. Elon Musk hinted as early as 2022 that the two companies held “promising conversations,” noting that seamless satellite integration would require optimization of both hardware and software rather than relying on Starlink’s networks to imitate standard cell towers.
If these efforts come to fruition, the iPhone 18 Pro could usher in a new era of truly uninterrupted global connectivity — expanding the definition of what an iPhone can do and setting a new benchmark for mobile communication.
