Apple is rolling out support for additional carrier-based satellite services, including au in Japan and One NZ in New Zealand. The feature allows customers with compatible iPhone to use the satellite connectivity offered by those carriers. (Via MacRumors)
Both au and One NZ have partnered with SpaceX to provide their customers with Starlink Direct satellite service, joining T-Mobile in the U.S. in offering Starlink connectivity in areas where cellular coverage is unavailable. The service is offered as an alternative to the satellite messaging features built into Apple’s iPhone 14 and later models. Both Japan and New Zealand have large areas of their countries where traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.
Starlink Direct covers all of Japan, providing connectivity in remote areas. au does not charge for the service, allowing users to send and receive text messages, get emergency earthquake alerts, and share their location with friends and family.
One NZ customers can use Starlink Direct to send and receive texts anywhere in New Zealand.
Starlink Direct requires users to have a clear line of sight to the sky. Users are not required to hold their smartphone up to the sky to connect, which is a requirement for Apple’s built-in satellite service offered through its partnership with Globalstar.
Carrier-based satellite services are supported on the iPhone 14 models and later.
