Amazon to acquire Globalstar, powering iPhone satellite features

At a glance:

• Amazon plans to acquire Globalstar, which currently powers Apple's satellite features
• The deal is expected to close in 2027, after which Apple's features will use Amazon Leo satellites
• Apple's satellite functionality is expanding with rumored features including 5G via satellite and third-party app integration

Amazon's Acquisition of Globalstar

Amazon this week announced plans to acquire Globalstar, the satellite company that powers Apple's satellite features on the iPhone 14 and newer and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. In a strategic move that could reshape satellite connectivity for consumer devices, Amazon has signed an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in 2027, at which point Apple's satellite features will transition from Globalstar's network to Amazon's upcoming Leo satellite constellation.

This acquisition represents Amazon's continued expansion into space-based technology and its rivalry with other tech giants in the satellite communications sector. While Amazon hasn't disclosed financial terms of the deal, it signals a significant investment in infrastructure that could eventually support not just Apple's devices but potentially other consumer electronics and IoT products. The move also positions Amazon to compete more directly with companies like SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb in the growing market of satellite internet services.

Current Apple Satellite Features

Apple's current satellite features represent a significant advancement in emergency communication capabilities for users in areas without traditional cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. These features include:

• Emergency SOS via satellite
• Find My via satellite
• Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Messages via satellite

All of these features are currently free to use in supported areas without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, with availability varying by country. The implementation of these satellite capabilities demonstrates Apple's commitment to providing essential services even in remote or emergency situations. The technology allows users to send text messages and access emergency services when they are outside the range of conventional networks, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The satellite connectivity on Apple devices works by leveraging Globalstar's existing network of low Earth orbit satellites. When a user activates one of these features, the iPhone or Apple Watch communicates with the nearest satellite, which then relays the message to ground stations and ultimately to emergency services or the intended recipient. This technology requires specific hardware in the devices and has certain limitations, such as the need for a clear view of the sky and the ability to maintain a connection while the device is properly oriented.

Upcoming Satellite Features

There are already five more iPhone satellite features or enhancements rumored to be in the works, even before Amazon announced this deal with Apple. At least some of the improvements may be part of iOS 27, which is expected to be available in beta starting in June and widely released in September this year. These upcoming features represent a significant expansion of Apple's satellite capabilities and could further differentiate the company's products in the competitive smartphone market.

The rumored enhancements include:

• 5G via satellite (may be exclusive to iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max)
• Apple Maps via satellite
• Photos support for Messages via satellite
• Third-party apps in the App Store will be able to integrate Apple's satellite features
• The ability to connect an iPhone to a satellite without pointing the device toward the sky

Amazon's announcement mentioned future features as well, suggesting that Apple's suite of satellite functions should expand even more over the coming years. The prospect of 5G via satellite would be particularly groundbreaking, potentially enabling high-speed internet connectivity in remote areas. The elimination of the need to point the device toward the sky would also represent a significant usability improvement, making satellite features more accessible to everyday users.

Implications for Users and the Industry

The transition from Globalstar to Amazon's Leo satellites by 2027 could bring several improvements to Apple's satellite services. Amazon's planned satellite constellation is designed to provide global coverage with low latency, which could enhance the performance and reliability of Apple's satellite features. This shift might also enable more advanced capabilities, such as higher data transmission rates and potentially two-way communication for more types of applications.

For consumers, this development means that Apple's emergency and communication features will likely become more robust and widespread over time. The integration with Amazon's infrastructure could eventually lead to more affordable or even expanded free services, as Amazon scales its satellite operations. Additionally, the ability for third-party apps to leverage satellite connectivity opens up new possibilities for developers to create innovative applications that work in areas without traditional connectivity.

The acquisition also underscores the growing importance of satellite technology in the consumer electronics industry. As smartphones become increasingly sophisticated and as users expect connectivity regardless of location, companies like Apple, Amazon, and others are investing heavily in space-based solutions. This trend could eventually lead to ubiquitous global connectivity, bridging the digital divide for people in remote or underserved areas.