In a major boost to its space connectivity ambitions, Amazon has signed an agreement with Apple to become the primary satellite service provider for iPhones and Apple Watches. The deal will see Apple gradually shift its off-grid communication features to Amazon's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network under the Amazon Leo initiative.
Amazon and Apple Team Up to Power Next-Gen Satellite Connectivity
This development follows Amazon's acquisition of Globalstar, the company that currently powers Apple's satellite-based Emergency SOS and messaging features. Apple users are already able to stay connected beyond cellular coverage and going forward, those capabilities will be delivered via Amazon Leo.
For context, the Amazon Globalstar deal is important to understand this shift. Amazon is acquiring Globalstar's satellites, spectrum and infrastructure to supercharge its own Leo network and introduce direct-to-device connectivity. This will allow smartphones to connect to satellites without relying on cellular towers.
Not only does this effectively give Amazon both the hardware backbone and regulatory spectrum to scale satellite-based communication, but it also inherits Globalstar's long-standing relationship with Apple.
Apple's existing satellite features introduced to let users send emergency messages, share location and request roadside assistance without network coverage. Now, with Amazon's Leo network in the backend, it's expected to further evolve.
For Amazon, this deal could be a strategic win as it fast-tracks the company's direct-to-device connectivity plans. Moreover, it places Amazon in more direct competition with players like SpaceX, whose Starlink network is already pushing into satellite-to-phone services. This is certainly important since the Starlink Direct-to-Cell service global expansion is slated for 2027.
While the shift may not bring immediate visible changes for users, long-term implications are significant. With Amazon's infrastructure, iPhone and Apple Watch users could see improved coverage, faster connectivity and potentially expanded satellite features beyond emergency use cases.
As satellite connectivity becomes the next big thing in mobile communication, this Amazon Apple partnership hints at future where smartphones remain connected virtually anywhere, well beyond the reach of traditional network towers.
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