Apple clearly needs more satellite capacity: The company has significantly expanded its partnership with Globalstar, the satellite provider has announced. The existing agreement between the companies has therefore been complemented and includes, among other things, “a new network of mobile satellite services”, including a new satellite constellation and the expansion of ground stations.
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Billions invested in satellite providers
Apple wants to pay up to $1.1 billion in infrastructure upfront. Globalstar said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange CommissionThis should include, among other things, the expansion and launch of additional satellites as well as the repayment of debts. Apple will also invest $400 million in a newly established Globalstar subsidiary for this purpose and thus acquire dormant shares of 20 percent. Globalstar still wants to reserve 85 percent of its satellite capacity exclusively for Apple.
The iPhone company has invested more than half a billion US dollars in Globalstar, for example to finance the construction and launch of new satellites. The provider is currently in the process of updating its constellation of approximately 20 low-Earth orbit satellites, and 17 more satellites are to be placed in low-Earth orbit over time.
Satellite services temporarily free for iPhone users
Starting with iPhone 14, Apple customers can use satellite services in many areas without paying anything extra or subscribing. As soon as there is no mobile network or WiFi available in the area, satellite connection becomes available. This means you can contact emergency services in dead spots and remote areas and share your location with friends.
Nvidia’s high-end CPUs for Windows on ARM coming in September 2025Since iOS 18, it is also possible to send and receive text messages (iMessages and SMS) via satellite connection. It’s also free, but so far only available in North America. Apple has not yet announced the launch date for Germany and other European countries.
Satellite services are free for a limited time after purchasing an iPhone – up to two years, according to Apple. The company has not yet announced what happens next and what satellite services customers may have to pay for in the future. For early iPhone 14 buyers, the free phase (which has already been extended once) ends in autumn 2025.
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Nvidia’s high-end CPUs for Windows on ARM coming in September 2025
