Apple Commits $1.1 Billion to Expand Satellite Messaging Capabilities

Apple is expanding its investment in satellite messaging by pledging over $1 billion to expand GlobalStar's facilities.

The company first launched Emergency SOS via Satellite alongside the iPhone 14 in 2022. Since then, it has added Roadside Assistance and non-emergency messaging features. Now, Apple is increasing its stake in satellite provider GlobalStar with a commitment of more than $1 billion in upfront payments to increase the number of satellites available.

GlobalStar will also get approximately $400 million from Apple as part of an equity deal. The overall cost of these satellite features remains unknown and it is still unclear how much users will eventually pay for the services.