SpaceX’s Starlink service hits Apple Watches in Canada and Japan

SpaceX brings Starlink to watches

SpaceX is enabling satellite messaging on Apple Watches in Canada and Japan through carrier partnerships that use Starlink Direct to Cell technology.

The move is part of the company’s effort to make satellite connectivity accessible on more wearable devices. Users can now experience basic messaging via satellites when they are out of regular cellular coverage.

Carrier-supported Starlink messaging is available on Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch SE 3 when the devices are the cellular models and the user has an eligible plan with a participating carrier.

Apple Watch models now supported

The three Apple Watch models compatible with Starlink are the Ultra 3, Series 11, and SE 3. Users need the cellular model of the Apple Watch to use carrier-provided Starlink messaging services. This ensures that messages can be sent and received even in areas with no cellular towers.

Au in Japan updated its support page to guide customers on activating Starlink Direct. The feature is currently limited to sending and receiving messages via the Apple Watch Messages app. While full internet access is not yet available, this service is a first step toward broader direct-to-device satellite connectivity.

Starlink pushes wearable connectivity further

The feature relies on direct satellite links, so performance is strongest when the watch has a clear view of the sky. This shift shows how wearables are becoming part of the broader push to keep users connected in remote areas or during outages.

By reaching beyond smartphones, Starlink is positioning its system as a backup layer for everyday devices. The move also signals how satellite-based communication could evolve as people depend more on compact gear that stays connected on hikes, road trips, or unexpected emergencies.

How Starlink connectivity works

Starlink Direct to Cell satellites relay basic messaging and emergency communications to compatible devices through partnering carriers rather than providing full consumer internet access directly to watches.

Still, this marks a significant step toward satellite-based communication that works seamlessly with everyday wearable technology, allowing messages to reach users almost anywhere on the planet.

Japan leads Starlink rollout

KDDI in Japan is the first partner to bring Starlink satellite messaging to Apple Watches. The carrier’s Au wireless service integrates Starlink Direct, allowing users to tap into satellite messaging without needing extra devices. This reflects Japan’s innovative adoption of space-based tech to enhance mobile connectivity for everyday users.

The service currently supports only messaging features, keeping the system simple and focused. Japanese users can experience satellite connectivity without changing phones or buying new hardware, as long as they have the cellular Apple Watch. This makes Japan a key market for testing Starlink’s expansion beyond phones.

Canada joins Starlink initiative

Rogers Communications in Canada is now offering Starlink messaging for Apple Watches, allowing users to participate in the beta trial. This gives Canadians access to satellite-powered texting, extending connectivity to rural and remote areas. The trial period is free initially, providing a chance for early adopters to test the service’s reliability and ease of use.

The Canadian rollout mirrors Japan’s approach, focusing first on messaging. Users can send texts from their Apple Watches even when traditional cell service is out of range. This expansion emphasizes Starlink’s global ambitions and sets the stage for eventual inclusion of more devices and features.

US market could follow soon

Apple Watch satellite messaging could come to the United States in the future. Still, no U.S. carrier has formally announced Apple Watch support, so any U.S. availability is possible but unconfirmed.

The company could extend this to satellites, providing U.S. users with the same messaging functionality and further uniting wearable devices with space-based connectivity.

T-Mobile operates a T Satellite service powered by Starlink Direct to Cell, which supports more than 60 phone models today.

While T-Mobile already offers satellite texting on phones, it has not announced Apple Watch support for its satellite service, so any Apple Watch rollout in the US should be described as possible but unconfirmed.

Text messaging only for now

The current Starlink Apple Watch service is limited to text messaging through the Messages app. Calls, internet browsing, or multimedia features are not supported yet.

This limited functionality helps the service remain reliable while still allowing users to communicate in areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable.

Future updates may expand features to include full internet or app support. For now, sending and receiving text messages already represents a major milestone in wearable satellite communication.

Clear sky needed for best use

Starlink messaging on Apple Watches works best with a clear view of the sky. Trees, buildings, or indoor locations can block satellite signals, limiting reliability. Users in open areas will experience a consistent messaging service, which highlights the unique requirements of direct-to-device satellite communication compared with traditional cellular networks.

This limitation does not diminish the impact of Starlink on wearable technology. Even partial coverage allows users to stay connected in emergencies or during travel to remote locations. The system demonstrates the potential for satellites to supplement or even replace traditional cellular infrastructure in the future.

Beta trials gather user feedback

Both KDDI in Japan and Rogers in Canada are conducting beta trials for Starlink messaging on Apple Watches. These trials allow users to test service performance, reliability, and user experience before wider rollout. Feedback collected from participants will help improve future iterations and expand service capabilities.

By monitoring trial results, Starlink can refine network performance and address potential limitations. These tests also help inform the development of future features like multimedia messaging or internet access, ensuring the system meets real-world user expectations while maintaining reliable satellite communication.

Ready to get your Starlink service up and running again? Explore how SpaceX brings Starlink back for inactive users.

Starlink sets global wearable path

SpaceX’s expansion of Starlink to Apple Watches in Canada and Japan marks a pivotal step in wearable satellite communication. The service could influence global connectivity trends by offering reliable messaging in remote regions.

Starlink is demonstrating how satellite networks can complement traditional cellular systems and reach devices beyond phones. Users worldwide may soon enjoy similar capabilities, with potential expansion to more Apple Watch models and other wearables.

See how a significant Starlink disruption is testing the limits of its global internet network.

What do you think about how satellite-based messaging is gradually becoming part of mainstream technology use? Drop a like and share your thoughts.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.