Highlights
- Apple extends its partnership with iPhone satellite connectivity partner GlobalStar.
- Commits an extra $1.1 billion to boost satellite service capacity.
- Also takes a 20% equity stake in the company.
- Apple extended the free period for satellite connectivity through 2025.
Apple’s partnership with its iPhone satellite connectivity partner Globalstar has been extended, the companies disclosed in recent security filings.
The expansion deal includes Apple committing an extra $1.1 billion in infrastructure payments to boost satellite service capacity.
Apple is also taking a 20% equity stake in GlobalStar, which will be valued at around $400 million.
The reports of the extended deal have sent GlobalStar’s stock rising.
The deal also highlights Apple’s growing interest in satellite-powered iPhone features. For example, with iOS 18, iPhone users can now send texts to friends and family via satellite when they’re outside of cellular or WiFi range.
Apple has been investing heavily to provide satellite capabilities for free to users, even though the company has hinted to eventually charge for this feature.
Satellite connectivity was first launched with the iPhone 14 in 2022 specifically for Emergency SOS.
At the time of launch, the service was available for free for two years with experts believing a fee would be applicable around late 2024.
However, Apple recently extended the free period through 2025.
Apple hasn’t disclosed a specific price for satellite services yet. Since features support life-threatening emergencies, there has been speculation that Apple might keep Emergency SOS free while charging for new satellite features, like sharing your location on Find My or sending satellite texts recreationally via iOS 18.
Some reports also suggest that Apple could bundle satellite services with Apple One or offer it as a mobile carrier add-on.
iPhone models from iPhone 14 onward support satellite connectivity, which activates automatically when you’re out of cellular or WiFi range. Apple explains, “With iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can connect your iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location – all while you’re off the grid with no mobile network and Wi-Fi coverage.”
iPhone 14 or later model users can try a satellite demo by going to Settings -> Emergency SOS -> Emergency SOS via Satellite -> Try Demo.
FAQs
Q1. How much is Apple committing to boost satellite service capacity with GlobalStar?
Answer. Apple is committing an extra $1.1 billion in infrastructure payments to boost satellite service capacity and taking a 20% equity stake in GlobalStar.
Q2. What new feature does iOS 18 offer related to satellite connectivity?
Answer. With iOS 18, iPhone users can send texts to friends and family via satellite when they’re outside of cellular or WiFi range.
Q3. When was satellite connectivity first introduced to iPhones, and for what purpose?
Answer. Satellite connectivity was first launched with the iPhone 14 in 2022 specifically for Emergency SOS.
Q4. How to start an iPhone satellite service demo?
Answer. Users can try a satellite demo by going to Settings -> Emergency SOS -> Emergency SOS via Satellite -> Try Demo.
Q5. When was the iPhone Satellite service launched?
Answer. Satellite connectivity was first launched with the iPhone 14 in 2022 specifically for Emergency SOS. At the time of launch, the service was available for free for two years with experts believing a fee would be applicable around late 2024.
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Also Read : Apple Introduces Messaging via Satellite in iOS 18: How Much Will It Actually Cost?
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