Apple is a technology company that has recently expanded its role in the space industry through strategic investments and partnerships. Primarily known for consumer electronics, Apple is investing heavily in satellite technology to enhance connectivity for its devices. Their activities include a $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar to support a new mobile satellite service (MSS) network and the integration of satellite capacity into iPhones for emergency messaging. This move aims to improve connectivity in areas without traditional cellular service and positions Apple as a player in satellite-based smartphone communication.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Apple will inject $1,700,000,000 for a new Globalstar constellation to improve space-based communications for iPhones.
Globalstar is not part of MSSA and has been enabling space-based SOS services on the latest iPhones since late 2022 through a close relationship with Apple.
Apple’s latest iPhones have been using conventional MSS spectrum from Globalstar satellites to connect users outside cellular coverage since late 2022 for SOS services.
MDA won a 2022 contract to build Globalstar’s third-generation low Earth orbit network with financial backing from Apple.
Tony Frazier helped build relationships between Maxar and customers including Google and Apple for location-based services.
Apple and Globalstar already offer emergency SOS services and plan to expand their offering after Globalstar places additional satellites into orbit in 2025.
Consumer smartphones featuring SATCOM capabilities include the Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, Huawei Mate 50 and Mate 60 Pro, and the ZTE Axon 50s.
Globalstar began using L-band satellites in 2022 to enable SOS services on Apple’s latest iPhones under a proprietary strategy.
MDA is providing Globalstar 17 low Earth orbit satellites in 2025 to refresh a constellation Apple uses for iPhone space-enabled emergency services.
Apple agreed to reimburse Globalstar for 95% of the constellation, including manufacturing and launch costs.
Apple would use 85% of the new network’s capacity to upgrade satellite services launched last year for its latest iPhone.
Globalstar contracted SpaceX to launch Apple-backed satellites in 2025 to replenish its low Earth orbit connectivity constellation.
Apple will use 85% of the new network’s capacity to upgrade satellite services launched last year for its latest iPhone.
Apple agreed to reimburse Globalstar for 95% of the constellation’s costs, including manufacturing and launch costs.
Globalstar contracted SpaceX to launch Apple-backed satellites in 2025 to replenish its low Earth orbit connectivity constellation.
Apple's existing SOS service is currently limited to 15 countries on its recent iPhone 14 models.
Globalstar selected MDA to build its Apple-backed third-generation LEO satellites within the past 18 months.
Apple is funding 17 satellites to replenish Globalstar's low Earth orbit fleet in return for taking 85% of those satellites' capacity for its emergency messaging needs.
Apple launched a satellite-enabled SOS service using Globalstar’s network for the iPhone 14 in November.
On 2023-02-28, Apple is lending Globalstar $252,000,000 to help cover upfront costs for replenishing Globalstar's low Earth orbit constellation.