Telstra expands satellite text messaging to iPhone

Telstra's Starlink-powered satellite text messaging now works on iPhone, following an initial rollout for Galaxy S25 devices. 

Satellite Messaging is now available on all handsets in the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 families. Customers need to be on a Telstra Upfront plan, and need to ensure their iPhone is running the latest software. 

The iPhone doesn't need to have been purchased from Telstra, but it does need to be the "global edition" sold in markets like Australia. Satellite Messaging won't work on variants made for the United States or China, for example.  

Telstra says support for other devices is coming soon. 

The tech allows Telstra customers to send text messages via satellite when they don't have mobile coverage, but it is positioned as a "just-in-case" option. The satellites only have enough bandwidth for old-school text messages, rather than apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. MMS is also out of the question at the moment. Messages may also take several minutes to send and receive. 

A clear view of the sky is necessary for Satellite Messaging to work. Even a veranda could be enough to interrupt connectivity.

Notably, Telstra Satellite Messaging isn't designed to be an emergency service, since there's no way to text Australian emergency responders.

Telstra Satellite Messaging is available for no extra cost for customers on Upfront mobile plans. These plans will be getting a price rise at the start of July, however. 

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See More Plans ~ Last Updated 6/11/2026

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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