Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire Globalstar, the satellite company that powers several of Apple’s satellite-based iPhone features.
According to a report from the Financial Times, Amazon is exploring a deal worth around $9 billion as it looks to strengthen its position against Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network.
However, Apple’s existing relationship with Globalstar could complicate any potential deal. Apple invested $1.5 billion into Globalstar in 2024 and secured a major ownership interest in the company as part of the agreement.
Under the existing deal, Apple has access to 85 percent of Globalstar’s satellite network capacity. The network is used to support several iPhone features, including Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages via satellite, Roadside Assistance, and Find My location updates when users are outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Apple first introduced satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022, allowing users to contact emergency services from remote areas without a mobile signal. Since then, the company has expanded its satellite features to include non-emergency messaging and location sharing.
The Financial Times reports that Apple’s stake in Globalstar has required separate discussions between Apple and Amazon as part of any possible acquisition talks.
It remains unclear how an Amazon takeover of Globalstar could affect Apple’s access to the satellite network or the future of its iPhone satellite features.