Here’s a podcast-ready summary based on the article “Apple and SpaceX Reportedly ‘Clashing’ Over Satellite Texting Features” from MacRumors:

Looks like there’s some static in the air – and not just from solar flares. Apple and SpaceX are jostling for dominance in the stars over your smartphone’s ability to text from nowhere. A new report from The Wall Street Journal reveals behind-the-scenes tension as Apple, partnered with Globalstar, and SpaceX, via its Starlink service with T-Mobile, race to deliver satellite texting features to users beyond cell coverage. At the heart of the conflict: frequency bands, FCC approvals, and competing visions for the future of off-grid communication. Despite legal skirmishes and tense negotiations, the two tech titans have reached some agreements, and satellite texting on iPhones is already saving lives. But with major investments and billions at play, the space-to-smartphone rivalry is far from over.

Key Takeaways:

• Apple and SpaceX, via its Starlink unit, are competing to offer satellite connectivity for texting on smartphones, especially in remote areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

• Apple has committed $1.5 billion to satellite partner Globalstar to boost its satellite infrastructure. This powers iPhone's built-in satellite features for texts, emergency communications, location sharing, and roadside assistance.

• SpaceX objected to Globalstar's FCC application for spectrum rights, arguing it was “premature” and would monopolize the 1.6GHz and 2.4GHz bands. SpaceX wants shared access to those frequencies, but Globalstar warns this could cause interference and disrupt iPhone capabilities.

• Ironically, Globalstar is also paying SpaceX to launch its satellites, even as they clash over regulatory issues.

• Apple and SpaceX had previous “tense” discussions on integrating Starlink’s satellite texting on iPhones but ultimately struck a deal. iPhones now show “SAT” when connected via carrier-based satellite services like Starlink.

• Starlink texting via T-Mobile is currently in free beta and will officially go paid in July 2025 for both iPhone and Android users.

• Apple considered working with other satellite providers over the years—including Boeing and EchoStar—but remains exclusively partnered with Globalstar for now.

• Apple confirmed that its satellite features are “designed to complement carrier offerings” and emphasized, “these features have already helped save lives.”

• iOS 18 now supports full two-way iMessaging and SMS via satellite, and the service remains free for now on all iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models with the latest iOS update.

Context Check:

• The FCC filing from SpaceX that pushes back on Globalstar’s plans appears to center on open access to spectrum, aligning with SpaceX’s long-term goal to expand Starlink’s reach.

• While both companies are enabling messaging beyond traditional ground-based infrastructure, their approach differs: Apple is focused on hardware-integrated satellite features, whereas Starlink uses partnerships with existing carriers like T-Mobile.

• The idea that Globalstar’s exclusivity could block or hinder wider adoption of satellite texting is a valid concern, especially if demand increases in underserved or disaster-prone regions.

Bottom line: As satellite texting becomes the new frontier, Apple and SpaceX are in a high-stakes, billion-dollar race to keep you connected—no matter where you roam. Stay tuned, because this space drama is just getting started.
Link to Article