Apple to invest in Globalstar to enable direct connectivity for iPhone mobile phones

Apple is preparing to invest approximately $1.5 billion in the satellite company Globalstar, Azernews reports.

This investment will enhance Globalstar’s satellite network, which has been used to manage the emergency messaging service that allows users to send text messages via satellite since the launch of the iPhone 14.

The service enables the phone to connect directly to Globalstar satellites without the need for an external antenna or network coverage. According to a document published by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Apple will invest around $400 million to acquire a 20% stake in Globalstar and will make an additional upfront payment of $1.1 billion for the establishment of a new network.

The service currently operates with 31 first-generation satellites. Although specific amounts have not been disclosed, Apple had already invested in Globalstar in 2022 to fund improvements to the existing network.

Apple’s second investment will be used to finance the second generation of the Globalstar network, about which little is currently known.

A new challenge facing mega-satellite internet coverage is providing direct internet connectivity to smartphones without the use of external antennas, which is made possible mainly through the modernization of satellites with upgraded antennas.

Globalstar has already confirmed that approximately 80% of its satellite network coverage in the coming years will be allocated to Apple, while the remaining portion will be available for other applications and customers.