Amazon has today announced that it’s buying satellite giant GlobalStar to allow its Amazon Leo service to offer direct connectivity to consumer devices. Apple owned 20% of the company.
The deal will see Apple buy its satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch from Amazon Leo, with the acquisition promising to accelerate innovation and connectivity …
Apple satellite services
Apple first added satellite messaging to the iPhone 14 back in 2022. This was initially limited to contacting emergency services while outside cellular coverage areas. It was later extended to offer roadside assistance cover for mechanical problems and messaging with family and friends too.
Apple has so far partnered with Globalstar for all of its satellite communication services. However, capacity limitations meant that some believed the company would switch instead to Elon Musk’s Starlink at some point.
