Apple invests $1.1b in satellite services provider Globalstar | Infinium-tech
Apple announced its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature with the iPhone 14 series in 2022 using the infrastructure of US-based satellite service provider Globalstar. In a new development, Apple has pledged $1.1 billion in a new deal with Globalstar to expand Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure capacity.
Additionally, Apple now owns 20% of Globalstar through a $400 million equity deal. These investments are expected to help significantly expand Globalstar’s capacity to handle satellite messaging requests from iPhone users.
Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite service initially promised two years of free service, which was later extended for another year. This means that day one iPhone 14 users will get support until November 2025.
Two-way satellite messaging on iOS 18
With iOS 18, Apple announced Sending two-way messages via satellite when out of cellular coverage. The feature is available on iPhone 14 and newer devices on supported carriers in the United States and Canada. It remains to be seen whether Apple will start charging iPhone 14 series users for access to satellite messaging after the free period ends next year.
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