- Apple partners with Amazon for future satellite connectivity on iPhones and Apple Watches
- Amazon plans $11.6 billion Globalstar acquisition to boost its satellite capabilities
- New direct-to-device services could launch around 2028 with faster speeds
- Deal positions Amazon as a stronger rival to Starlink in the satellite market
Apple has decided to deepen its satellite ambitions by partnering with Amazon, marking a significant shift in strategy years after declining an offer from SpaceX’s Starlink. The move comes alongside Amazon’s massive plan to acquire Globalstar in a deal valued at up to $11.6 billion, signaling a major push into direct-to-device satellite connectivity.
For Apple users, this could reshape how iPhones and Apple Watches stay connected when traditional networks fail. For Amazon, it is a bold step toward competing with Starlink in a rapidly evolving space race.
A strategic merger with big ambitions
Amazon’s agreement to acquire Globalstar is not just about ownership. It is about capability. Globalstar already powers Apple’s existing satellite features, including Emergency SOS and location sharing. By bringing Globalstar under its umbrella, Amazon gains access to spectrum rights, infrastructure, and an established foothold in satellite communications.
The company plans to combine these assets with its own low Earth orbit network, now branded as Amazon Leo. This integration is expected to strengthen Amazon’s position in the direct-to-device market, where satellites connect directly to smartphones without the need for ground towers.
Apple, meanwhile, benefits from continuity. Current services on devices like the iPhone 14 and newer models will continue to work, while future features are expected to expand in capability.
What this means for iPhone users
In practical terms, Apple users are unlikely to see immediate changes. However, the long-term implications are significant. The partnership ensures that satellite features such as emergency messaging, roadside assistance, and Find My will not only remain but likely improve.
Amazon has hinted at a more advanced system launching around 2028. This next generation network aims to deliver faster speeds and support richer services, potentially including voice and broader data capabilities.
There are also indications that Apple is exploring a framework that would allow third party apps to tap into satellite connectivity. If realized, this could transform satellite access from a niche emergency feature into a more mainstream tool for communication and navigation in remote areas.
Amazon’s uphill battle against Starlink
Despite the scale of this deal, Amazon still has ground to cover. Starlink already operates thousands of satellites and has a strong head start in direct-to-device services through partnerships with mobile carriers.
Amazon’s current deployment stands at just a few hundred satellites, with plans to scale beyond 3,000. While ambitious, this timeline puts it several years behind its biggest competitor.
That said, Amazon is not entering the race empty handed. The addition of Globalstar’s spectrum and expertise could help it close the gap faster than expected. The company has also secured partnerships with airlines, telecom providers, and government agencies, indicating strong commercial interest.
Regulatory hurdles and industry implications
The deal will require regulatory approval, particularly from US authorities. While early signals suggest openness to increased competition in the satellite space, scrutiny is inevitable given the scale of the acquisition.
If approved, the partnership could reshape the competitive landscape. Regulators have expressed interest in maintaining multiple strong players in the direct-to-device market, which could benefit consumers through better services and pricing.
At the same time, tensions between major players are likely to continue. Amazon and SpaceX have already clashed over satellite deployment plans, and this latest move adds another layer to their rivalry.
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