SpaceX could partner with Apple to offer an enhanced satellite feature
Apple
According to Elon Musk, SpaceX held talks with Apple Inc. about using Starlink connectivity for the iPhone's new satellite features.
Elon said the companies have had “promising conversations,” adding that Apple’s iPhone team is “super smart.”
We’ve had some promising conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity. iPhone team is obv super smart.
For sure, closing link from space to phone will work best if phone software & hardware adapt to space-based signals vs Starlink purely emulating cell tower.
This tweet came the day after Apple's iPhone 14 unveiling event where Apple announced the Emergency SOS via satellite. This new feature will allow iPhone 14 users to reach emergency services using satellite communication in remote areas.
Apple partnered with Globalstar Inc. to power the satellite infrastructure. However, it's still possible we could see a similar collaboration between SpaceX and Apple in the future as they have had hopeful discussions.
These discussions come after SpaceX and U.S. wireless carrier T-Mobile announced a collaboration. The companies revealed that phone users on T-Mobile’s network will be able to use SpaceX satellites to send text messages in remote areas without cellular connectivity. The collaboration will go into effect after SpaceX launches Version 2 Starlink satellites.
It should be noted that Apple’s new feature will differ from T-Mobile's feature in collaboration with SpaceX. T-Mobile's feature will allow for communication between consumers while Apple’s short-length satellite texting service is designed to reach emergency responders only.
This will make the iPhone 14 the first commercially available smartphone with satellite in the U.S. The satellite infrastructure will also integrate with Apple’s Find My app, allowing users' devices to be accurately tracked in remote areas where GPS and cellular services may not work.
Starlink is a component of SpaceX, who is creating a constellation of thousands of satellites. These satellites would beam broadband internet coverage to all of the Earth. The company already has approximately 3,000 satellites in orbit with more than 400,000 subscribers.
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Tesla and Uber are partnering to offer a new discount for Uber drivers. The offer is similar to one that was offered earlier in the year. Uber and Tesla previously offered a $2,000 USD purchase incentive under a special Uber referral code. That offer ended in March, and Tesla is now offering a new, similar offer.
Both the previous incentive as well as this new offer are only available in the United States.
Offer Conditions
The new offer is simple: If you’re an Uber Driver, you’ll be able to get $1,000 in Tesla credits upon taking delivery and another $1,000 in Uber Cash after completing 100 rideshare trips. You’ll need to purchase either a new Model 3 or Model Y—any variant, including the Performance versions, is acceptable. The program is not available for used or demo vehicles.
For anyone interested in trying out being an Uber driver, this is also a nice way to get $2,000 off a new Tesla. While the discount is no longer a purchase incentive, you can use the $1,000 in Tesla credits towards accessories, service, Supercharging, swag, or another vehicle. The Uber Cash, on the other hand, will be paid out alongside your 100th trip.
The offer is combinable with the Military Purchase Program, but you can’t use the Tesla referral program to get $500 off. If you’ve already got referral credits, though, you can use them toward the purchase of the vehicle.
Finally, you’ll need to take delivery before the end of the year (December 31st) and complete your 100th trip before February 15, 2025.
How to Use It
To take advantage of the offer, go to Tesla’s Uber page and log in via Uber. Both companies will verify that you’re eligible for the discount. You’ll also have to be in good standing as an Uber driver - if you’re not, no discount.
Tesla has released updated specifications and a revised timeline for the Cybertruck’s Range Extender. Originally launched alongside the Cybertruck last year, the Range Extender offered a significant boost in range along with a notable price tag—requiring a $2,000 reservation deposit and an estimated price of $16,000.
Updated Specs
Tesla has updated the Ranger Extender's range, now increasing the vehicle’s range from 340 miles to 445 miles on the Dual Motor variant and from 320 miles to 440 miles on the Cyberbeast.
The updated specifications reduce the vehicle’s total range with the Range Extender by about 6% compared to the original specs, while the Range Extender itself sees a 20% reduction in range. This is a substantial reduction, and Tesla has yet to explain the change. It’s likely that they’ve started testing Cybertrucks with Range Extenders under EPA test conditions, which may have adjusted the initial range estimates.
Truck
Range
Original Range Extender
Updated Range Extender
Dual Motor AWD
325 mi
470 mi
445 mi +
Cyberbeast
301 mi
440 mi
415 mi +
Delayed Timeline
The Range Extender was originally supposed to be available for those who pre-ordered sometime in early-2025. That timeline has now been pushed back to mid-2025. However, given Tesla’s lackluster attempts at maintaining timelines, we could fully expect this timeline to continue to slip closer to 2026, but we remain hopeful that it’ll arrive on time.
Tesla has been working towards perfecting its dry-cathode process, which could also be a likely cause of the delays. Tesla may want to ship the Range Extenders as dry-cathode—it's a small batch product and one that’s easier to replace or repair than an entire truck.
Overall, the Range Extender itself is an interesting item. While it does provide a small range increase—one that’s necessary for towing—it has its fair share of demerits. It takes up a considerable amount of bed space and must be installed and uninstalled by Tesla Service. Additionally, the weight in the bed will result in a change in the center of gravity.
We’re interested to see what Tesla does with the Range Extender - we’ve only seen a few pictures of engineering samples on Tesla’s site, but it could come with considerable changes when it launches.
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