iPhone v18.3 will give Elon Musk's Starlink access to our phones.
Is there any way to block, deactivate or opt out rather than just open access?
I suggest NOT updating until we learn more.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
cedrickmccallom wrote:
I am an att user .
In which case it does not affect you AT ALL.
Please stop feeding the paranoia.
I posted this in another thread on the subject. PLEASE take a moment to read it and at least try to understand the reality of the situation.
Apple didn’t implement anything “in secret”.
Let’s get this straight once and for all. Apple is including the ability to make calls via satellite into iOS. This is a standards based protocol.
Apple is NOT partnering with Starlink. The carriers are free to partner with whatever satellite service providers they like.
So far, T-Mobile is the only carrier that’s implemented this in ANY way. it is currently in beta. T-Mobile has chosen Starlink as their satellite partner. If you don’t like it, don’t use T-Mobile or don’t join their beta program.
Even if you do opt into the service it does NOT give Starlink or Elon Musk access to your phone. Just as using AT&T or Verizon for cellular service does not give them access to your phone. The service provider, whether it’s cellular, satellite, or WiFi carries the traffic and routes it from one place to another. That’s all.
Please stop it with the ridiculous paranoia.
This functionality is going to be included in pretty much every smart phone in the near future, whether it’s an iPhone, Android device, or something else.
Update: T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite feature is now in public beta, allowing anyone in the U.S. with an iPhone or Android to test it, even if they sign up for another carrier. It will be free until July.
Zachyy wrote:
Update: T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite feature is now in public beta, allowing anyone in the U.S. with an iPhone or Android to test it, even if they sign up for another carrier. It will be free until July.
I think folks letting Apple know they don’t want this is the right thing to do - especially if they don’t have T-Mobile. Why not make it downloadable for T-Mobile customers instead of pushing it to everyone without disclosing ?
Choices_Matter wrote:
I think folks letting Apple know they don’t want this is the right thing to do - especially if they don’t have T-Mobile. Why not make it downloadable for T-Mobile customers instead of pushing it to everyone without disclosing ?
What part of APPLE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH T-MOBILE OFFERING STARLINK don’t you understand?
Apple is pushing the update to everyone, regardless of whether they are T-Mobile customers or not.
I get that you’re frustrated but the simple fact is people like having a choice and being informed. Many trusted Apple and didn’t like finding out their iPhones are now ready and able to use starlink.
Don’t know why expressing dislike for the fact that this wasn’t disclosed and included in a security update irritates some people so much.
Starlink has a total bandwidth per cell of between 2 to 4 megabits down per second total. Divide that by a few dozen subscribers in remote rural areas and you will probably have a decent user experience. But divide it by 1000 urban users and it’s a no go. They’ll have a dialup equivalent experience or worse.
There’s no point to Verizon or AT&T joining the service. Both companies are moving forward with their own competing services. It doesn’t make sense for any of the companies involved.
IdrisSeabright wrote:
Lawrence Finch wrote:
Dunning-Kruger Effect.
Doesn't Dunning-Kruger assume that the person is an expert in a different field?
Does believing you're an expert at being an expert qualify?
No, the actual test study was the invisible bank robber in Pittsburgh, PA. It’s someone that knows a very small amount of something and then thinks they’re an expert. The graph looks like this.
Unskilled and Unaware of It: How Difficulties in Recognizing One's Own Incompetence Lead to Inflated Self-Assessment.
Jeff Donald wrote:
No, the actual test study was the invisible bank robber in Pittsburgh, PA. It’s someone that knows a very small amount of something and then thinks they’re an expert. The graph looks like this.
Well, apparently I knew a small amount bout the Dunning-Kruger Effect and thought I knew much more. ;-)
Thank you!
I’m an AT&T subscriber for the last 18 years. AT&T has nothing to do with Starlink. AT&T is partnered with AST Space Global. They invested $100’s of millions and contributed millions to their startup costs. Why would they have anything to do with Starlink ?
mommy214 wrote:
Why can’t NASA provide this why Starlink? Elons gaining way too much control.
Perhaps because, as Jeff Donald says, it's not their mission. Even if it were, NASA is facing budget cuts.
khun92 wrote:
Feb 2, 2025 3:25 PM in response to Zachyy
Thanks!
I strongly suggest NOT updating to 18.3 until we know more, we must try and learn more about this before upgrading
Read the thread you just posted to. Advising people to not update to iOS 18.3 is not necessary at all and honestly completely wrong. We DO know more about this, which if you bothered to read, you would too.
Adrieeee wrote:
I feel Apple sold out. Anyone know anything about Android? We are thinking of moving over to Androids. Any thoughts? Pros and cons?
Have you actually read the posts in this thread? You should.
Adrieeee wrote:
I feel Apple sold out. Anyone know anything about Android? We are thinking of moving over to Androids. Any thoughts? Pros and cons?
YES! Android has had support for T-Mobile’s StarLink for quite a while, Apple is late to the party. So if you want the more mature StarLink platform switch to an Android phone.
Adrieeee wrote:
I feel Apple sold out. Anyone know anything about Android? We are thinking of moving over to Androids. Any thoughts? Pros and cons?
Read this, then come back and tell us you think Apple sold out or going to Android will accomplish anything --> The Completely Wrong Belief Apple Partner… - Apple Community
Blocking Starlink access in iOS 18.3
