It is reported that Apple will implement full 5G satellite Internet support in the new iPhone launched next year. A report from The Information this week stated: “Apple plans to add support for 5G networks that do not rely on terrestrial networks (ie, satellite communications) in new iPhone products released as soon as next year, which will give the iPhone the ability to achieve complete Internet access through satellites.”

If it proceeds as planned, the first models with this feature will include iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the previously rumored foldable iPhone, followed by the standard version of iPhone 18 in March 2027.

Currently, even if this feature is supported, there is no service on the market that provides full 5G satellite Internet directly to smartphones. Apple's current satellite function (starting with iPhone 14) is only used for emergency SOS, "find" and information applications, and roadside assistance functions, while T-Mobile's Starlink service also only supports some functions and applications; and both require users to operate with a wide field of view.

In fact, with the Starlink satellite antenna, the iPhone can already achieve high-speed satellite network access through Wi-Fi. In the United States, Starlink charges $50 per month for 50GB of data, or $165 for unlimited data. The portable Starlink Mini antenna currently sells for $299.

Apple's long-term goal is to enable iPhones to directly receive full 5G satellite Internet services without any Starlink hardware in the future.

Currently, Apple partners with Globalstar to implement satellite capabilities, while Starlink is operated by SpaceX.

According to the report, there are four signs that Apple’s cooperation with SpaceX (and CEO Elon Musk) may be back on the negotiating table, although the relationship between Apple and Musk was once tense. Specific signs are as follows:

  • SpaceX recently supported the same radio spectrum that powers Apple’s iPhone satellites

  • Globalstar's executive chairman Jay Monroe reportedly discussed selling company for more than $10 billion

  • Globalstar warned in its latest quarterly earnings report that losing a major customer, thought to be Apple, would have a material adverse impact on its finances

  • Apple plans to add full 5G satellite internet support to iPhone as early as next year

However, it is unclear whether Apple and Musk can truly resolve their differences and achieve cooperation.