Apple’s next major iPhone upgrade could take connectivity beyond Earth. A new report suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro might feature full 5G satellite internet powered by SpaceX’s Starlink network. If true, this would make it the first smartphone capable of connecting directly to space-based 5G without relying on cell towers or Wi-Fi. It could change how we stay online forever.
Apple has already proven it can use satellites for emergency SOS features, but this would be a far bigger leap. The iPhone 18 Pro could bring true broadband connectivity to remote areas, deserts, mountain ranges, or even oceans, anywhere with a clear view of the sky. That means uninterrupted messaging, calls, streaming, and app use, even in places where traditional networks fail.
The Information reports that Apple and SpaceX have been in ongoing talks to bring Starlink connectivity to future iPhones. Starlink’s newest satellites now support the same radio spectrum Apple uses for its current Globalstar-based system. This overlap could allow iPhones to connect to Starlink’s massive satellite constellation without requiring any additional hardware. In short, your phone could soon connect to orbit just as easily as it connects to a local tower today.
For users, the benefits would be immediate. Dead zones would disappear. Travelers could stay connected in flight paths, remote islands, and regions without fiber coverage. Outdoor enthusiasts and emergency responders would gain reliable, high-speed access to maps, calls, and live data. It would also make the iPhone 18 Pro a serious tool for journalists, field workers, and creators who depend on stable internet anywhere on Earth.
But there’s a catch. Full 5G satellite internet does not yet exist for smartphones, so Apple would be the first to make it happen. The technical challenge is enormous. Managing battery drain, heat, and antenna efficiency on a handheld device is far more complex than on Starlink’s larger home terminals. And then there’s the question of cost. Starlink’s current plans start at $50 per month for 50GB of data and can go up to $165 for unlimited usage. It is unclear whether Apple will bundle access or sell it as a premium subscription.
Privacy and control are also hot topics. Many users are uneasy about relying on SpaceX for global data traffic, given Elon Musk’s track record with Starlink and X. Apple is known for strict privacy standards, so the company would likely design the system to ensure encryption and control over user data remain in its own hands. Still, the partnership raises interesting questions about where that boundary lies.
There’s also the human side of constant connectivity. Full satellite internet means you will never be out of reach, which could be a blessing or a curse. While lifesaving in emergencies, it might also make it harder to disconnect. Remote hikes, off-grid retreats, and flight breaks could lose their rare sense of digital silence. Always-on internet could easily turn into always-on work.
If Apple can pull it off, though, it would redefine what “connected” means. The iPhone 18 Pro could become the first truly global smartphone, capable of maintaining a 5G signal anywhere on the planet. Even if the rollout starts small or comes at a cost, the feature would symbolize Apple’s next great leap, one that blends its privacy-first philosophy with the expanding reach of SpaceX’s technology.
