Apple and Amazon Challenge Starlink’s Satellite Phone Plans

The competitive landscape for satellite connectivity is shifting dramatically. In a major strategic move, Amazon has agreed to acquire Globalstar’s low-Earth orbit satellite network for $11.57 billion. This acquisition includes the company’s valuable spectrum licenses, operational assets, and its existing satellite constellation. The purchase is designed to integrate directly with Amazon’s own ambitious Project Kuiper, its forthcoming broadband satellite network. A key component of the deal involves Apple, which previously held a 20 percent stake in Globalstar. Amazon has committed to continuing support for Apple’s satellite-dependent features, including the critical Emergency SOS service for iPhones and Apple Watches, while also collaborating to develop new connectivity services leveraging Amazon’s future network. This transaction, pending regulatory approval, is slated for completion in 2027.

This partnership creates a formidable challenge to SpaceX’s Starlink, which has been pioneering its Direct-to-Cell service, known as Starlink Mobile. The approaches differ significantly. Globalstar currently provides direct-to-device services to Apple products without requiring a carrier intermediary for core emergency and messaging functions. In contrast, Starlink’s model is built on partnerships with terrestrial mobile network operators like T-Mobile in the United States, using its satellites to fill coverage gaps in existing carrier networks. Amazon’s announcement indicates it aims to blend both strategies, stating an intent to work with mobile operators globally to deliver ubiquitous, reliable connectivity.

The scale of the competing constellations is a stark point of comparison. By the end of 2025, SpaceX reported operating more than 650 satellites equipped for cellular connectivity as part of its vast fleet of roughly 10,000 Starlink satellites. Globalstar’s current operational network is far smaller, with approximately 25 satellites in low Earth orbit. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is in a rapid build-out phase, having launched over 200 satellites and planning to accelerate its launch cadence to ultimately deploy a constellation exceeding 3,200 satellites.

The new agreement between Amazon and Apple ensures continuity for millions of users. Globalstar’s existing infrastructure powers satellite services on iPhone 14 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3, enabling emergency texting, messaging, roadside assistance requests, and location sharing. Under the new pact, Amazon will support these current and planned Apple devices that rely on Globalstar’s network, which includes new satellites being manufactured by MDA Space. Looking ahead, the two tech giants will collaborate on next-generation services that will harness the expanded capacity and coverage of Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation. This alliance signals a concerted effort to capture the emerging market for seamless, global device connectivity directly from space.