(Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.
The latest iPhones can already send and receive satellite-powered text messages as a built-in feature. But they can now also receive satellite data on several mobile apps, including Apple Messages, through T-Mobile's cellular Starlink service.
The carrier’s T-Satellite service officially launched in July as a way for users to receive connectivity in cellular dead zones, such as rural and remote areas. The ability to receive satellite data on mobile apps first arrived on Google Pixel 10 devices (and we tested that in a remote corner of Northern California). But on Monday, T-Mobile expanded the capability to iPhones going back to the iPhone 13, says CTO John Saw. However, the iPhones must download and install iOS 26, which was released on Monday.
(Credit: T-Mobile)The feature is powerful since it goes beyond satellite texting to allow T-Satellite customers to use a small but growing collection of mobile apps. On the Pixel 10, this includes Android apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, and X. Data can be slow to load, but the feature is robust enough to display tweets, including videos, look up directions, and even hold video calls.
The iPhone support might have a catch, though. A T-Mobile support page suggests that iPhone users will have access to a smaller and different collection of apps than Android users.
(Credit: T-Mobile)The page splits data support between Android and iOS. For iPhone users, it lists just six compatible apps — Apple Compass, Fitness, Maps, Messages, Music, and Weather. Notably absent are Google Maps, WhatsApp, or X.
In contrast, users on Android can access 13 other mobile apps, including Google Maps, WhatsApp, and X. Still, for iPhone users, the support for Messages stands out since WhatsApp isn't as popular in the US. We also wonder if this allows for FaceTime calls through Messages.
For now, T-Mobile says, "Yes, T-Satellite capable iPhones operating on iOS 26 can now use data on some Apple apps. We'll have even more to share on data capabilities soon.” So it’s possible the carrier, Apple, and iOS developers are working to optimize their apps for T-Satellite.
T-Mobile plans to officially launch satellite data for mobile apps on Oct. 1, when it will expand the capability to dozens of other Android phone models. T-Satellite is currently available for $10 per month for most consumers, including on rival carriers. Only subscribers on T-Mobile’s most premium plans can receive satellite access as a free perk.