Amazon is snapping up the satellite firm that quietly powers one of Apple’s most useful safety features.
The company has confirmed it’s acquiring Globalstar, the provider behind Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhones. This is as it looks to supercharge its own space-based network, Amazon Leo.
The deal means Amazon won’t just expand its satellite footprint, it’s also stepping directly into Apple’s ecosystem. As part of the agreement, Apple will continue using the network for features like Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My and Roadside Assistance via satellite on supported iPhones and Apple Watches. Furthermore, future services are set to run on Amazon’s upgraded infrastructure.
For users, not much changes immediately. But behind the scenes, the shift is significant. Globalstar’s satellites and spectrum will now sit alongside Amazon Leo’s growing constellation. This will help the company build out direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, essentially letting phones connect to satellites without needing traditional mobile coverage.
That’s where this is heading. Amazon says its next-gen D2D service will launch in 2028. This will bring faster messaging, voice and data connections in areas where regular networks can’t reach. It’s also pitching the system as a backup when terrestrial networks fail, like during natural disasters.
There’s a bigger competitive angle here too. Amazon Leo is widely seen as a rival to SpaceX’s Starlink. This acquisition gives Amazon a more established foothold thanks to Globalstar’s existing infrastructure and long-standing expertise in satellite communications.
Interestingly, Apple already owns a 20% stake in Globalstar, though that wasn’t highlighted in Amazon’s announcement. Instead, both companies focused on the continued partnership and the fact that iPhone satellite features aren’t going anywhere.
The deal itself isn’t expected to close until 2027, and Amazon still faces pressure to scale up its satellite launches in time to meet regulatory deadlines. But assuming everything goes to plan, this move puts Amazon in a much stronger position. It will enable Amazon to deliver always-on connectivity, whether you’re off-grid, mid-flight, or just stuck without signal.
In short, Apple’s SOS feature isn’t just sticking around. It’s getting a much bigger network behind it.
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