Amazon’s Globalstar deal secures future of Apple satellite features on iPhone

Amazon has announced a deal to acquire satellite company Globalstar, and Apple users will continue to benefit from the partnership.

As part of the agreement, Amazon and Apple have signed a deal that will see Amazon Leo power satellite services for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch models.

Globalstar currently provides the satellite network behind Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature on iPhone 14 and later, along with satellite-based Messages, Find My location sharing, and Roadside Assistance. Apple also recently expanded satellite support to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Amazon said its new agreement with Apple will ensure those existing services continue to work, while also opening the door to future satellite features using Amazon’s much larger Leo satellite network.

“Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. “This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, so they can stay safe and connected while off the grid.” 

Amazon is acquiring Globalstar for $11.57 billion, giving it access to the company’s satellites, infrastructure, and radio spectrum as it looks to better compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink network. Amazon plans to use Globalstar to expand Amazon Leo, its low Earth orbit satellite business formerly known as Project Kuiper. 

Beginning in 2028, Amazon plans to launch its own next-generation direct-to-device satellite system, allowing it to offer more advanced voice, text, and data services directly to smartphones and other devices. Amazon says the complete Leo network will eventually include thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. 

The acquisition is not expected to affect Apple’s current satellite features in the short term. Amazon has said it will continue to support both Globalstar’s existing satellite network and the new satellites already being developed for Apple. 

Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone 14 in 2022, giving users a way to contact emergency services when they are outside the reach of cellular and Wi-Fi networks. Since then, Apple has expanded satellite support to include Messages via satellite, Find My location sharing, and Roadside Assistance.