Apple invests another billion in satellites
Apple seems to have bigger plans for satellite services: The partnership with the operator Globalstar is being significantly expanded.
(Image: Leo Becker)
Apple obviously needs significantly more satellite capacity: The Group has significantly expanded its partnership with Globalstar, according to the satellite provider. The existing agreement between the companies has been expanded to include a "new network of mobile satellite services", including a new satellite constellation and the expansion of ground stations.
Billions invested in satellite providers
In a submission to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Globalstar states that Apple intends to make advance infrastructure payments of up to 1.1 billion US dollars. Among other things, this is to cover the expansion and launch of further satellites – as well as the settlement of debts. Apple will also invest 400 million US dollars in a newly founded Globalstar subsidiary for this purpose and thus receive passive shares amounting to 20 percent. Globalstar will continue to reserve 85 percent of the satellite capacities specifically for Apple.
The iPhone group has already invested well over 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 over 20 low-earth orbit satellites, with 17 more satellites to be placed in low-Earth orbit over time.
Satellite services temporarily free for iPhone users
From iPhone 14, Apple customers can use satellite services in several regions without paying anything extra or taking out a subscription. The satellite connection is available as soon as there is no mobile network or Wi-Fi available in the area. This allows you to contact emergency services in dead spots and remote areas and share your location with friends.
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From iOS 18, it is also possible to send and receive text messages (iMessages and SMS) via the satellite connection. This is also free of charge, but is currently only available in North America. Apple has not yet announced a launch date for Germany and other European countries.
According to Apple, the satellite services remain free for a limited period of two years after purchasing an iPhone –. The company has not yet announced what will happen after that and which 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) will expire in fall 2025.
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