Summary
- The iPhone 18 Pro could have a 5G connection via satellite in 2026, eliminating dependence on terrestrial towers.
- Apple may collaborate with SpaceX to make the technology viable with the help of Starlink, according to the website The Information.
- Other rumors suggest that the launch of premium models would take place in 2026, while entry-level models would arrive in 2027.
Apple may bring full support for 5G internet via satellite in the future iPhone 18 Pro. The function would allow devices to access 5G networks without depending on terrestrial towers, guaranteeing internet even in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
According to the website The Informationthe first to receive the technology would be the premium models of 2026: in addition to the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the possible foldable iPhone. Currently, there is no service that offers 5G satellite internet directly to a smartphone.
The satellite services that operate on iPhones 14 and up use the Globalstar network, but only for Emergency SOS, Find My app, limited messaging, and roadside assistance.
Similarly, T-Mobile’s “T-Satellite” service in the US, based on SpaceX’s Starlink network, is restricted to text messaging, without access to internet data. The site suggests that in the long term, iPhones could achieve 5G satellite internet directly.
Agreement between Apple and SpaceX could make the project viable
Rumors suggest that a deal between Apple and Elon Musk’s SpaceX could “be discussed again”, despite a historically difficult relationship between the two companies. A few months ago, the billionaire sued big tech and OpenAI for alleged favoritism in the App Store.
However, the The Information highlights that SpaceX has already added support for the same radio spectrum used by Apple in its current satellite capabilities. Furthermore, the site recalls that Globalstar’s president, Jay Monroe, would have discussed the sale of the company, and his latest quarterly report warned that the loss of a major customer, such as Apple, would have an “adverse impact” on finances.
Apple’s intention to fully support 5G satellite internet in 2026 also suggests an expansion of network capacity — something that SpaceX’s Starlink could provide.
iPhone 18 base only in 2027?
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for leaking Apple information, the company had planned to launch the next generation of iPhones in two phases. The first, in September 2026, would include premium models — iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the supposed foldable iPhone, in addition to a possible second generation of iPhone Air.
The second phase, scheduled for March 2027, would include entry-level models, such as the standard iPhone 18 and a possible iPhone 18e. If the rumor of 5G internet via satellite is confirmed, the functionality would initially be exclusive to premium versions.
Source: https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/iphone-18-pro-pode-estrear-conexao-5g-via-satelite/
