Satellite connectivity is one of the most striking features of Apple’s iPhone 14. It enables users to point their phones to the sky and communicate with emergency services via satellite. Over the last year, we’ve seen many cases where people have used the feature to contact rescue teams. To strengthen its network and increase its reach, Apple’s satellite provider, Globalstar, has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch more satellites.
Apple’s Satellite Provider Partners With SpaceX
American publication Nola reports that Globalstar and SpaceX have entered a deal worth $64 million to place more satellites in Earth’s orbit. The report states that Globalstar will make “launch-related payments on a periodic basis” to SpaceX, sourcing a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Both companies plan to launch the satellites in 2025, which will help expand Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite network, reaching regions previously out of coverage.
Per Apple’s official support page, satellite connectivity is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Further, the feature is only accessible on an iPhone 14 (both regular and Pro models). However, the list of regions and compatible iPhones will increase in the coming years.
It is important to mention that this is not the first time Globalstar has partnered with SpaceX. Before this, the two companies launched a satellite from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida (2022). In a few days, Apple will unveil the iPhone 15 lineup, which features Emergency SOS via Satellite like the iPhone 14. However, by 2025, Apple should have another lineup of iPhones that supports the feature.
