Elon Musk’s Starlink faced Tim Cook’s rejection; now it delivers internet directly to iPhones |

In a dramatic flip of occasions, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite tv for pc service, as soon as firmly rejected by Apple, has now turn out to be an surprising ally for the tech large’s iPhones. Back in 2022, Musk reportedly supplied Apple a $5 billion deal to combine Starlink into their units, a proposal CEO Tim Cook declined. Years later, Apple customers are accessing Starlink’s “Direct to Cell” community through T-Mobile, giving iPhones satellite-powered connectivity that Apple initially tried to keep away from. What began as a menace has became quiet reliance, highlighting the complicated energy dynamics between two of the largest names in tech.

Elon Musk’s $5 billion ultimatum to Tim Cook

In 2022, Musk delivered a daring supply. Either Apple would make investments $5 billion into Starlink integration or face Starlink as a direct competitor. The name to Tim Cook was not only a enterprise pitch, it was an ultimatum. Musk gave Apple 72 hours to resolve. When Cook declined, Musk shortly launched his personal plan to dominate satellite-based cellular connectivity.

Apple’s quiet abandonment of its personal satellite tv for pc dream

Years earlier than Musk’s proposal, Apple had its personal satellite tv for pc ambitions below Project Eagle, a collaboration with Boeing to create a proprietary internet service. However, considerations over regulatory hurdles and upsetting telecom companions reminiscent of AT&T and Verizon precipitated the mission to be shelved. Apple as a substitute selected a safer route by partnering with Globalstar for a restricted SOS satellite tv for pc function.

Musk’s Starlink strikes forward

While Apple stepped again, Musk superior. Just weeks earlier than the iPhone 14 launch, Musk introduced a partnership with T-Mobile to convey Starlink’s “Direct to Cell” service to life. This meant customers might entry cellular internet from anyplace on Earth, even distant mountains and oceans, with out requiring any particular {hardware}. The partnership marked a significant milestone in satellite tv for pc communications, difficult conventional telecom infrastructure. It additionally positioned Musk as a key participant in the way forward for international connectivity.

Irony within the sky: iPhones now use Starlink

Despite rejecting Musk’s supply, Apple units can now entry Starlink by T-Mobile’s community. The very satellite tv for pc system Apple dismissed is now serving to energy iPhones in distant places. Some observers have referred to as this “revenge from orbit,” exhibiting how tech rivalries can circle again in surprising methods. Consumers in off-grid areas are already reporting smoother entry, blurring the road between competitors and cooperation. Industry analysts say Apple’s reliance on Starlink might develop quietly within the coming years.

Strategic warning or missed alternative?

Apple’s determination stays a subject of debate within the tech trade. Some view Cook’s transfer as strategic warning, avoiding dependence on a unstable innovator like Musk. Others see it as a missed alternative to lead in satellite tv for pc connectivity. Either means, the skies now belong to Starlink, and iPhones are linked to it whether or not Apple deliberate it or not.