Apple invests billions in Globalstar for satellite services and improved iPhone connectivity

A satellite orbiting earth
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

  • Apple wants to bridge gaps in connectivity with advanced satellite technology
  • New direct-to-device satellite services how to expand signal to remote areas
  • Enhanced satellite services redefine iPhone’s global communication reach

Apple is working to enhance satellite-based services for iPhone users, focusing on improving connectivity in areas lacking cellular coverage.

Building on its 2022 collaboration with Globalstar, Apple’s latest investment aims to bolster its position in the growing direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication market.

Apple has committed $1.5 billion to satellite communications company Globalstar, which includes a $1.1 billion cash investment and a $400 million allocation for a 20% equity stake in the business.

A game-changing partnership in low Earth orbit connectivity

This new deal between Apple and Globalstar represents one of the most substantial consumer OEM investments in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to date.

Globalstar, which operates 31 satellites, plans to use Apple’s funds to expand its network.

The company has already ordered up to 26 additional satellites to strengthen its LEO constellation, ensuring broader and more reliable coverage. Approximately 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity will remain dedicated to Apple’s services, underscoring the strategic significance of this partnership.

With Globalstar, Apple will further position itself as a leader in the D2D satellite communication market - a field that enables standard smartphones to connect directly with satellites. The announcement has already had a notable market impact, with Globalstar’s stock rising by 31.4%.

The deal could have a significant impact on the connectivity ecosystem, as the largest and most important consumer OEM low Earth orbit (LEO) agreement to date.

Via CNBC

You may also like

TOPICS
Efosa Udinmwen
Freelance Journalist

Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking. Efosa developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and politics. His research delves into how technological advancements influence regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Upon joining TechRadar Pro, in addition to privacy and technology policy, he is also focused on B2B security products. Efosa can be contacted at this email: udinmwenefosa@gmail.com

Read more
iPhone 14 satellite
Apple might be testing Starlink satellite connectivity for select iPhone users
A satellite tracker image is seen displayed on a smartphone with a Starlink logo in the background
T-Mobile brings free Starlink satellite skills to iPhone and Android phones – with a tempting bonus if you sign up now
A satellite over the earth next to hands holding as phone making a satellite video call with a man in Wales.
Vodafone makes 'world's first' satellite video call with a standard phone – here's why that's a big deal
Promotional poster for the HMD OffGrid
No iPhone, no problem – this Batman-style location tracker brings satellite messaging to any smartphone
A man typing a message into a phone, next to a woman walking in the wilderness talking on her phone, next to a Starlink Mini.
What is Starlink? How to get the satellite service for free on your phone with T-Mobile, plus everything you need to know
SpaceX Starlink
SpaceX set to sign billion-dollar deal with Italian government for telecoms, security services
Latest in Pro
A trough sensor at Overbury farm
“It's wildlife working for you” - how Agri-Tech can help revolutionize British farming as we know it
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 next to a TechRadar badge that reads Big Savings
I found the best printer deal you won't see in the Amazon Spring Sale and it's got a massive $150 saving
NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition
Nvidia's most expensive Blackwell card gets massive price cut but it is not the RTX 5090
Microsoft Copiot Studio deep reasoning and agent flows
Microsoft reveals OpenAI-powered Copilot AI agents to bosot your work research and data analysis
Group of people meeting
Inflexible work policies are pushing tech workers to quit
Data leak
Top home hardware firm data leak could see millions of customers affected
Latest in News
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Rennovations
Disney’s giving a classic Buzz Lightyear ride a tech overhaul – here's everything you need to know
Hisense U8 series TV on wall in living room
Hisense announces 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, with screen sizes up to 100 inches – and a surprising smart TV switch
Nintendo Music teaser art
Nintendo Music expands its library with songs from Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Tetris
Opera AI Tabs
Opera's new AI feature brings order to your browser tab chaos
An image of Pro-Ject's Flatten it closed and opened
Pro-Ject’s new vinyl flattener will fix any warped LPs you inadvertently buy on Record Store Day
The iPhone 16 Pro on a grey background
iPhone 17 Pro tipped to get 8K video recording – but I want these 3 video features instead