Apple expands iPhone satellite services deal, commits $1.1B to expand capacity
Apple has invested $1.1 billion in GlobalStar, acquiring a 20% stake. This enhances satellite services for iPhone users, with fees expected by late 2024, while Emergency SOS remains free until 2025.
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Apple has expanded its partnership with satellite services provider GlobalStar, committing an additional $1.1 billion to enhance satellite service capacity. This deal includes a 20% equity stake in GlobalStar, valued at approximately $400 million. The investment reflects Apple's ongoing strategy to integrate satellite features into its iPhone offerings, particularly with the introduction of iOS 18, which allows users to send text messages via satellite when out of cellular or WiFi range. Although Apple initially provided satellite connectivity for free, it has indicated plans to introduce fees for these services, potentially starting in late 2024. Currently, the Emergency SOS feature, which launched with the iPhone 14, remains free until 2025. Future charges may apply to additional functionalities, such as location sharing or recreational messaging. The satellite service is available on iPhone 14 and later models, and users can access a demo of the satellite feature through their device settings.
- Apple invests $1.1 billion to expand satellite service capacity with GlobalStar.
- The deal includes a 20% ownership stake in GlobalStar worth $400 million.
- iOS 18 enables satellite text messaging for iPhone users outside cellular or WiFi range.
- Apple plans to introduce fees for satellite services, potentially starting in late 2024.
- Emergency SOS remains free until 2025, with future charges likely for additional features.
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