Apple is looking to the stars to further expand the satellite connectivity capabilities of the iPhone. According to recent SEC filings, the Cupertino tech giant has invested $64 million in Globalstar, the satellite network operator powering the iPhone 14’s emergency SOS via satellite feature.
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The new cash influx will help Globalstar launch satellites between 2023 and 2025, increasing capacity for Apple’s groundbreaking satellite services. Introduced last September alongside the iPhone 14 lineup, the potentially life-saving SOS feature lets users text emergency services and contacts over a satellite network when outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Globalstar and Apple have worked closely together to make satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14 a reality. Earlier last year, Apple secured $252 million in funding for Globalstar before the iPhone 14 launch. Additionally, Globalstar purchased $327 million worth of satellite equipment from a Canadian supplier to support Apple’s ambitions.
As part of the agreement, Globalstar has dedicated 85% of its current and future network capacity just for iPhones. The company will handle everything from software to ground stations to deliver the coverage and connectivity Apple requires.
Currently, Apple’s satellite SOS is available in parts of North America, Europe, and Oceania. The new Globalstar investment aims to augment coverage and reliability in existing regions and potentially expand services to additional countries. Apple has pioneered yet another wireless frontier with satellite support on the iPhone. But it’s clear the company sees satellite connectivity as an essential feature moving forward and is willing to fund the infrastructure to make it happen.
