Amazon is set to acquire Apple’s 20% equity and voting stake in Globalstar through its newly formed subsidiary, Grapefruit Acquisition Sub II, as part of an $11.6 billion agreement. Apple had secured this stake in 2024 with a $1 billion investment to support its Emergency SOS via satellite service, which allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to contact emergency responders even outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Despite exiting its ownership position, Apple’s satellite emergency service will continue operating with Amazon’s ongoing commitment. Amazon plans not only to maintain but also to enhance satellite connectivity for Apple users, signaling potential improvements in coverage and functionality. This move highlights Amazon’s strategic expansion into the satellite-to-phone market and underlines its intention to build on, rather than disrupt, Apple’s existing features.
Amazon’s broader ambitions extend far beyond sustaining the current Emergency SOS system. In its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing, the company outlined plans to leverage and upgrade Globalstar’s current C-3 constellation of 48 satellites, while deploying a next-generation “Amazon Leo” satellite constellation designed for direct-to-device (D2D) communication. The goal is to introduce voice calls, text messaging, and data services compatible with standard 3GPP NTN phones without requiring specialized hardware, enhancing connectivity across multiple carriers and devices.
The planned improvements aim to deliver stronger coverage capable of penetrating buildings, foliage, and adverse weather conditions—areas where current satellite systems often struggle. Amazon is also developing phased-array antenna technology tailored for this purpose in relevant frequency bands. These innovations position Amazon to directly compete with companies like SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile, which are building similar satellite-based communication networks.
The acquisition awaits FCC approval, and Amazon has not provided a timeline for the rollout of new services or pricing details. However, this transaction signals a significant shift in satellite connectivity, potentially accelerating the availability of satellite voice and data capabilities to a wider range of mobile devices beyond Apple’s ecosystem.
By absorbing Apple’s stake in Globalstar, Amazon consolidates its role as a major contender in closing cellular coverage gaps worldwide. At the same time, it ensures Apple’s satellite-enabled emergency functions continue uninterrupted and might even benefit from technological advancements driven by Amazon’s investment and infrastructure development.