NEWS
T-Mobile Starlink satellite messaging beta on a Samsung phone open to anyone in US
Since last month, some Galaxy smartphone users on T-Mobile’s network in the US have started getting access to Starlink satellite messaging. Now, T-Mobile has opened Starlink satellite messaging Beta up to everyone in the US for Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, which means Verizon and AT&T customers can try it out too.
T-Mobile Starlink satellite messaging Beta testing is free and open to anyone on a Samsung Galaxy phone in the US
The T-Mobile Starlink beta gives Galaxy users text-only messaging through their phone’s native messaging app. This means you can send and receive standard text-based messages, including texts to 911. In a nutshell, this new feature allows people to send and receive messages directly via satellite connection when there is no cellular reception nearby.
In the future, the feature will also include picture messaging, data services, and voice calling It is worth mentioning that the best part of this beta program is that they are making it available to everyone for free.
The T-Mobile Starlink beta allows you to be one of the first to experience satellite-to-mobile connectivity for free until July 2025. Once the free beta ends, customers on T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan will continue to have free access to the service, while customers on other plans will be able to add it for $15 per month. Additionally, Verizon and AT&T customers will be able to use it for $20 per month.
It’s worth noting that users don’t need to adjust any settings manually. When their Samsung Galaxy phone is out of range of a cell tower, it will automatically connect to the T-Mobile Starlink network.
Compatible phones are
The T-Mobile Starlink beta program page has also confirmed that the service works on many smartphones released in the last four years, so most Samsung Galaxy phones released during this period will work. In addition, the company has confirmed that these devices will work with T-Mobile Starlink beta,
- Apple iPhone 14 and later (including Plus, Pro & Pro Max)
- Google Pixel 9 (including Pro, Pro Fold, & Pro XL)
- Motorola 2024 and later (including razr, razr+, edge and g series)
- Samsung Galaxy A14, A15, A16, A35, A53, A54
- Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (including Plus, Ultra and Fan Edition)
- Samsung Galaxy X Cover6 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and later
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and later
- REVVL 7 (including Pro)
Register for the Starlink beta program
Samsung is reportedly planning major upgrades for its future Galaxy S27 series. Even though these flagship phones are still far from launch, new leaks have revealed that Samsung is working on the Galaxy S27 Pro alongside the Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27 Plus, and Galaxy S27 Ultra models.
Galaxy S27 Pro leaks
As per the GSMA database Documents, Samsung has three unannounced devices in the pipeline. The database has three model numbers: SM-S956U, SM-S957B/DS, and SM-S958U. According to this, the SM-S956U model number identifies it as the Galaxy S27+, while those for the SM-S957B/DS identify it as the Galaxy S27 Pro, and the SM-S958U lists it as the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Additionally, the Pro variant phone is expected to resemble the Galaxy S27 Ultra in terms of specifications closely.
In terms of specifications, the Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to feature a more compact design, sporting a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display. There is also talk that it will not include an S Pen.
As for the cameras, this phone could feature a 200MP primary rear camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus, and a 50MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. Additionally, it includes a 12MP front camera for better selfies.
The Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy processor. Additionally, it may come with 12GB or more of RAM and 256GB or more of UFS 5.0 storage. The phone could house a 5,000mAh battery with 45W or faster charging.
Based on previous launch timelines, the Galaxy S27 series is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027. Stay tuned for more facts.
Samsung has reportedly commenced Android 17-based One UI 9 testing for the Galaxy S26 series. The first-ever Android 17 build has surfaced on Samsung’s firmware server, suggesting an early debut of the next One UI version.
An alleged Android 17 firmware has been listed on CheckFirm (via TarunVats) for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. That said, Samsung kicked off its work on the One UI 9 system for the latest flagship nearly two months earlier than usual.
Based on available information, Samsung is currently testing the BZC5 build on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung will take its time to refine this new operating system for Galaxy devices and will not rush the release of the firmware.
Although testing for One UI 9 has commenced early, this does not imply that it will become available to customers any sooner. Samsung will take the necessary time to optimize this new operating system for Galaxy devices and will not rush the firmware release.
On February 25, Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series, and these phones will be available starting March 11. A day later, the company began rolling out Beta 6 for the Galaxy S25 series, but it seems this may not be the last beta before the stable version is released. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 series is still receiving updates through the One UI 8.5 beta program.
Samsung One UI 8.5 beta 7
A reliable tipster, @TarunVats, spotted a new One UI 8.5 beta build for the Galaxy S25 series on testing systems. The build ending in ZZC3 indicates that Samsung is preparing the seventh beta update for the S25 phones. It’s worth noting that this build began rolling out in March, but the patch level is still February 2026.
The new build suggests that the beta program is still active even after the Galaxy S26 series launched with One UI 8.5 features and improvements. Galaxy S25 Users may have to wait a little longer for the final stable update.
The latest One UI 8.5 Beta 6 update fixed many problems and improved the phone’s performance, including Bixby, Gallery, Now Bar, Now Brief, Display settings, Modes, and Routines.
At this time, Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed how many more beta updates will arrive or when the stable One UI 8.5 version will be released for the Galaxy S25 series and older phones. However, the new beta build is a strong indication that at least one more beta update is on the way. Galaxy S25 users who are part of the beta program should keep an eye out for new updates.
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