Apple Inc. has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, providing an alternative to the company’s in-house satellite-communication service.

SpaceX launched another batch of its Starlink internet satellites from Florida's Space Coast today (Jan. 27). A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink spacecraft, including 13 with direct-to-cellphone capability, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today at 5:05 p.m. EST (2205 GMT).

SpaceX is preparing to send its next round of Starlink satellites into lower Earth orbit with a launch scheduled for Monday afternoon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, officials said.