Apple to invest $1.1 billion in satellite service provider Globalstar
By ForGeeks Apple is expanding its Emergency SOS via satellite with a $1.1 billion deal with satellite infrastructure provider GlobalStar. The move involves a significant investment in increasing Globalstar’s satellite capacity to better serve iPhone users. In addition, Apple acquired a 20% stake in Globalstar in a 400 million dollar deal.
Apple also acquired a 20% stake in Globalstar in a 400 million dollar deal.
The Emergency SOS via satellite feature, first introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, allowed users to send emergency messages while out of cellular coverage. Apple initially promised two years of free use of the feature, later adding another year. So owners of the first iPhone 14 will be able to use it until November 2025.
In iOS 18, Apple has also added two-way messaging via satellite, available on iPhone 14 and newer for carriers in the U.S. and Canada. It’s not yet known whether Apple will start charging for satellite use after the free period ends.
It’s not yet known whether Apple will start charging for satellite use after the free period ends.
