IOS 18.3 introduces Starlink connectivity: what is it and how it works
Apple has recently rolled out the iOS 18.3 update globally. In addition to other apple intelligence features and improvements, it has also introduced Starlink connectivity.
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Apple iOS 18.3 Finally is with a group of new features and bug fixes here. In addition to the mainstream characteristics, the company has also introduced Starlink connectivity, a new satellite connection. After introducing satellite connectivity features in 2022, iOS 18.3 has further improved functionality. According to Bloomberg report, Apple was secretly working with Space X and T-Mobiles, to bring Starlink Satellite connectivity to the iPhone.
The report stated that T-Mobile has started testing the initial version of Starlink service with a limited number of iPhones. This development coincides with the release of iOS 18.3, although Apple did not highlight this change in the release notes of the update.
How does this work?
Now that Starlink is on board with Apple, it will allow users to send text messages even when they are cellular networks. But how is it different? The company states, when a T-Mobile iPhone does not have a cellular signal, the device in the starlink program will try to connect with SpaceX satellites. Users can enable texting through the satellite menu for globstar or contact emergency services through Apple.
Currently, Starlink only supports texting, but later SpaceX and T-Mobile Plan to add data and voice services.
The program is available only in the US, unlike Apple’s globalstar service, which works in many countries. SpaceX aims to expand the starlinks for other carriers worldwide.
The Bloomberg report also highlighted another significant difference. This suggests that users for the current feature of Apple require their iPhone manually point towards the sky to connect with a satellite. In contrast, the Starlink option is designed to work automatically, even when the phone is in the user’s pocket.
iOS 18.3 Updated: What’s New
Apart from Starlink connectivity, Apple has also improved some existing features and introduced some new ones.
Calculator’s return repeated operations: The iOS 18.3 restores the repeated operation facility in the calculator app, a popular functionality from iOS 17 that was removed in iOS18. Its return is welcomed by users who rely on it for quick and efficient calculations.
New features for iPhone 16 series: The update iPhone 16 introduces enhanced camera control to users, allowing auto exposure and auto focus locks to hold up with a simple press and on the camera control button. The new visual intelligence feature also allows users to scan the poster with details of date and location to create a calendar event and identify plants and animals in real time-correct for enthusiasts of nature.
Better notification summary: The notification summary in iOS 18.3 now appears in the Italicized text, making them easier to differentiate with standard notifications.
Genmoji access and safety promotion: Creating and using genmji is now more straightforward in messages and other supported apps. On the security side, the update fixes 20 bugs and introduces security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive audio and visual data on iPhones.
