Apple is expanding the satellite capabilities of its smartwatch lineup by integrating SpaceX’s Starlink network, marking a shift from relying solely on Globalstar. The 2025 Apple Watch Ultra 3, Watch Series 11, and Watch SE 3 can now connect directly to Starlink satellites, enabling messaging in remote areas without standard cellular coverage.
Rogers Communications in Canada and KDDI in Japan have begun offering Starlink-based messaging services for the new watches. Rogers has launched the feature in beta at no extra cost, while KDDI has introduced it as a paid add-on. Both carriers aim to provide users with connectivity options for messaging, location sharing, and emergency communication in regions lacking terrestrial signals.
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The move strengthens Apple’s position in satellite communication, an area it entered in 2022 with emergency SOS capabilities on iPhones. The broader partnership with Starlink gives Apple access to a larger satellite constellation, helping the company expand its services beyond what Globalstar’s network currently supports.
Apple is reportedly preparing to add richer satellite features such as multimedia messaging and developer access for third-party applications. Future iPhones, including the expected iPhone 18, are anticipated to support 5G non-terrestrial networks, allowing them to stay connected through satellites when mobile networks are unavailable.
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SpaceX plans to deploy thousands of direct-to-cell Starlink V3 satellites beginning in 2026, paving the way for wider global coverage. Until then, Apple’s collaboration with regional carriers marks an incremental but significant step toward offering broader satellite connectivity across its device ecosystem.
Source: PCMag