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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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.
Get Our Best Stories!
A Smart, Bold Take on the Wireless World
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
About Our Expert
Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
Experience
I’ve been a journalist for over 15 years. I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017, where I cover satellite internet services, cybersecurity, PC hardware, and more. I’m currently based in San Francisco, but previously spent over five years in China, covering the country’s technology sector.
Since 2020, I’ve covered the launch and explosive growth of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, writing 600+ stories on availability and feature launches, but also the regulatory battles over the expansion of satellite constellations, fights with rival providers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and the effort to expand into satellite-based mobile service. I’ve combed through FCC filings for the latest news and driven to remote corners of California to test Starlink’s cellular service.
I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. Earlier this year, the FTC forced Avast to pay consumers $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and selling their personal information to third-party clients, as revealed in my joint investigation with Motherboard.
I also cover the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000. I’m now following how President Trump’s tariffs will affect the industry. I’m always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send me tips.
Read Full Bio
