At this point, satellite communication using your phone is pretty commonplace feature -- not necessarily widespread, but definitely an option on millions of iPhone and Android phones. But until recently, that communication was limited to text messaging, contacting emergency services by text and sharing your location.
T-Mobile's T-Satellite service, which uses Starlink's constellation of satellites, is breaking out of that small capsule of features and allowing any developer to code its app with the ability to send and receive data. And as of last week, that includes in-app video and voice calls.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
Satellite communications are extremely limited compared to a phone's connection to a typical cellular or Wi-Fi network. Apps need to be specifically modified to work with a small stream of data, which is why the service was first available only for the built-in Messages app and for location sharing.
T-Mobile said that its engineering relationships with Google and Apple enabled this initial app support, starting with the Pixel 10 phones. With the release of iOS 26, Apple joins Google in supporting a range of apps -- including mapping, fitness, weather and location-sharing tools -- that benefit from staying connected in remote areas.
Here's the current list of compatible apps:
Apple apps compatible with T-Satellite:
AccuWeather
Apple Compass
Apple Fitness
... continue reading