Apple is buying 20 percent of its iPhone satellite services partner

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Along with taking a stake in GlobalStar, Apple is prepaying $1.1 billion to expand iPhone satellite connectivity.

By Umar Shakir, a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.

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Photo of Emergency SOS via satellite texting screen with emergency services, along with a message progress bar.

Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge

Apple is taking a 20 percent stake in its iPhone satellite connectivity partner GlobalStar — a stake worth $400 million — as part of an expansion of its deal with the company. GlobalStar will also receive a prepayment of $1.1 billion from Apple that is intended to improve satellite infrastructure.

Apple relies on GlobalStar’s satellites to enable to send emergency text messages, iMessage reactions, and more through the skies in areas with no cell signal. GlobalStar disclosed the details of the deal expansion in an SEC filing, which includes “a new satellite constellation, expanded ground infrastructure, and increased global [mobile satellite services] licensing.”

Apple launched its Emergency SOS feature on the iPhone 14 in 2022 and expanded it with iOS 18, enabling off-grid users to send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS out in the wilderness.

Apple intends to charge owners for satellite connectivity service at some point but still hasn’t. Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple has offered access to its satellite features for free two years with your phone. But last year, iPhone 14 owners were given an extra year, extending free service to as early as November 2025.

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