Apple’s $1.1 Billion Globalstar Investment Ushers in New Era of Satellite Messaging

Apple Expands Satellite Partnership with $1.1 Billion Globalstar Investment

Apple Inc. has significantly expanded its partnership with Globalstar, investing $1.1 billion in a satellite expansion deal that includes a 20% equity stake in the company. The announcement sent Globalstar’s stock soaring, with shares closing up over 31% following the news.

The investment, which builds on a previous $450 million commitment made by Apple in 2022, aims to fund a new satellite constellation and enhance ground infrastructure. The transaction is expected to be finalized on November 5, marking a major milestone in the collaboration between the tech giant and the satellite services provider.

This partnership has proven to be a significant boost for Globalstar, with the company’s stock experiencing a substantial increase in value. The deal underscores Apple’s growing interest in satellite technology and its potential applications in mobile communications.

Apple’s initial investment in 2022 supported the development of the Emergency SOS feature for iPhone 14 models. This feature allows users to send satellite messages to emergency services when outside of WiFi or cellular range. The service has already proven its worth, notably during Hurricane Helene.

Building on this success, Apple’s latest iOS 18 update, launched in September, introduced non-emergency satellite messaging capabilities. Users can now send text messages, emojis, and tap-backs with end-to-end encryption when traditional communication methods are unavailable.

While the emergency service remains free for another year, industry observers speculate that the non-emergency service may eventually adopt a pricing model as Apple expands its satellite-based offerings.

Neither Apple nor Globalstar have commented on the expansion or future plans for their partnership. However, this substantial investment signals a strong commitment to satellite technology and its integration into consumer devices.

As the collaboration between Apple and Globalstar continues to evolve, it is clear that satellite communications are becoming an increasingly important aspect of mobile technology, potentially revolutionizing how users stay connected in remote or emergency situations.