Apple expanded this partnership by purchasing a 20 percent stake in satellite operator Globalstar to strengthen the satellite connection service it offers on iPhone devices. Within the scope of this $400 million agreement, Apple also made a down payment of $1.1 billion to Globalstar for the improvement of the infrastructure of the satellites. These investments aim to provide iPhone users with services such as sending emergency messages via satellite in a wider coverage area in places where there is no mobile phone signal.
The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, launched with the iPhone 14 series released in 2022, showed Apple’s interest in satellite connection. Thanks to this feature, users can send messages using satellite connection in emergency situations. This service, which was further developed with the iOS 18 update, can not only send urgent messaging but also send SMS with reactions such as emoji and Tapback via iMessage. Apple’s investment in Globalstar clearly shows that it aims to offer more comprehensive satellite services in the future.
Apple’s satellite service strategy and competition with competitors
With this new agreement, Globalstar will allocate 85% of its network capacity for Apple’s use to meet Apple’s demands. Apple’s financial support to Globalstar includes infrastructure investments such as new satellite reinforcement and increasing ground stations around the world. Globalstar currently operates 31 satellites in low orbit (LEO), and 26 more satellites are planned to join the fleet. Thus, the coverage area of the users will be expanded and emergency messaging services will be built on a more solid infrastructure.
Meanwhile, other tech giants are working on similar satellite-based solutions. While Google has teamed up with Skylo to offer emergency satellite services on the Pixel series, Samsung is reportedly planning to add satellite features to future models of the Galaxy series. In this context, Apple’s acquisition of shares in Globalstar is considered as a strategy to maintain its competitive advantage in this market. Thus, Globalstar will remain closed to other potential collaborations and focus only on Apple’s needs.
While Apple offers emergency satellite services to users free of charge for two years, it plans to charge for this service in the future. However, it was decided to provide additional service to iPhone 14 users for another year last year, so these users will be able to receive free service until November 2025. This is considered as a step that supports Apple’s intention to bring satellite services to wider audiences. Additionally, with increased satellite support, this service is expected to be integrated into future iPhone models.
In summary, this partnership that Apple has expanded with Globalstar stands out as an important development for the spread of satellite-based communication services. On the other hand, this step also points to Apple’s potential to develop broader satellite-supported communication technologies, not just limited to emergencies.