Apple is taking a 20 p.c stake in its iPhone satellite tv for pc connectivity companion Globalstar — a stake value $400 million — as a part of an growth of its cope with the corporate. Globalstar may also obtain a prepayment of $1.1 billion from Apple that’s supposed to enhance satellite tv for pc infrastructure.
Apple depends on Globalstar’s satellites to allow to ship emergency textual content messages, iMessage reactions, and extra by the skies in areas with no cell sign. Globalstar disclosed the small print of the deal growth in an SEC submitting, which incorporates “a brand new satellite tv for pc constellation, expanded floor infrastructure, and elevated international [mobile satellite services] licensing.”
Apple launched its Emergency SOS characteristic on the iPhone 14 in 2022 and expanded it with iOS 18, enabling off-grid customers to ship and obtain texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS out within the wilderness.
Apple intends to cost homeowners for satellite tv for pc connectivity service in some unspecified time in the future however nonetheless hasn’t. Beginning with the iPhone 14, Apple has provided entry to its satellite tv for pc options without cost two years along with your telephone. However final yr, iPhone 14 homeowners got an additional yr, extending free service to as early as November 2025.
