Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch new satellites for Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature
Tom Sykes
Posted On 03/09/2023 
Globalstar, Apple’s partner that provides satellite access for the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature for iPhone, is working with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch new satellites into space that will be used to update the communication network for Apple and its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, according to an insight from Nola.
According to the report, Globalstar will have to pay SpaceX a total of $64 million for “launch-related payments on a periodic basis” from now until the satellites are sent into space in 2025, with the satellites supporting the emergency SOS services Globalstar is providing to Apple, which allows users to tap into satellite networks to send messages or calls if they are far away from cell towers in an emergency.
Every model in the iPhone 14 lineup — iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max — supports Emergency SOS via satellite in supported countries and regions. Devices connect directly to a satellite and call the emergency services if a user is in need of help, even if they are unable to dial 911. With Emergency SOS via satellite, if a user is not able to reach emergency services because no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is available.
Apple plans to eventually charge users to use the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, but for now, it remains available for free in supported countries and regions.
