T-Mobile's cellular Starlink beta program was initially restricted to five Samsung phone models. But the carrier has quietly expanded it to select iPhones running iOS 18.3.

In addition to its booming broadband business, T-Mobile US sees its direct-to-device satellite service with Starlink as an emerging monetization opportunity.

T-Mobile partnered with SpaceX last year and launched a beta program for Starlink connectivity last December. However, the company originally only offered the option on Samsung phones. Now, this has been expanded to the iPhone as well.

T-Mobile's CEO suggests that direct-to-cell Starlink service will be offered to those on its most expensive plans as a free perk. Others will be able to get it as a paid add-on.

Apple is reportedly partnering with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite support into iPhone software, according to Bloomberg. The partnership would offer some T-Mobile customers an alternative to Apple's existing satellite communication service,

It will be made available over time to iPhone users on T-Mobile who apply to test the beta service. If enabled, iPhone users can use this instead of Apple’s existing Globalstar service. It is enabled using a new toggle in cellular data to enable satellite messaging.

Earlier this month, several T-Mobile Android device users shared on social media that they had received access to the carrier's Starlink beta program. Now, an update to the T-Mobi

"You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere," the message reads, according to Bloomberg. And for iPhone users, it asks them to "update to iOS 18.3" to "start experiencing coverage beyond.