According to a Thursday report by news outlet The Information, Elon Musk’s SpaceX could provide satellite connectivity to Apple’s iPhones in the future.
Aaron Tilley and Wayne Ma for The Information:
In recent months, in anticipation of a possible future arrangement with Apple, SpaceX has added support in its new satellite designs for the same radio spectrum Apple uses for the iPhone’s current satellite features, which Globalstar provides, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. That could allow SpaceX’s Starlink unit to deliver satellite communications capabilities to existing Apple devices when Starlink’s next-generation satellite constellation begins operating in the coming years.
In recent months, in anticipation of a possible future arrangement with Apple, SpaceX has added support in its new satellite designs for the same radio spectrum Apple uses for the iPhone’s current satellite features, which Globalstar provides, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. That could allow SpaceX’s Starlink unit to deliver satellite communications capabilities to existing Apple devices when Starlink’s next-generation satellite constellation begins operating in the coming years.
At the same time, the chair of Globalstar, James Monroe, has talked to associates about the possibility of selling his satellite company for more than $10 billion, said people who heard him make the remarks (Globalstar’s current market capitalization is $5.3 billion). Such a deal could signal that Globalstar and Apple are seeking more independence from each other.
A deal between Apple and SpaceX would significantly boost Musk’s aspirations for SpaceX to become a significant provider of wireless services directly to phones. Starlink is currently the leading provider of satellite internet service, mostly to customers who use it via antennas atop their homes or vehicles. But connecting ordinary smartphones to satellites—to keep those devices online when they’re out of reach of conventional cellular networks — could greatly expand the reach of Starlink’s services.
SpaceX is investing heavily to realize that goal. Last month, it reached an agreement to acquire EchoStar’s wireless spectrum for $17 billion. That spectrum will help SpaceX deliver faster internet service to phones globally. It already has partnerships with traditional telecom players like T-Mobile to connect its satellites directly to phones. Last month, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said the company is working with chipmakers to get them to integrate Starlink connectivity into phones…
Globalstar has struggled against SpaceX’s growing dominance in satellite communications and remains highly dependent on Apple, which has invested around $2 billion into Globalstar over the past three years. In Globalstar’s most recent quarterly earnings filing, it included a warning for the first time about Apple, its most important customer: “The loss of the Customer would likely have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.”
SpaceX, in contrast, is an ambitious, well-capitalized juggernaut that recently launchedits 10,000th Starlink satellite and accounts for more than 60% of all active satellites orbiting Earth, by some estimates. One of Starlink’s biggest advantages is the fact that SpaceX rockets launch more payloads into space than any other company or government in the world.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple would do well to think apolitically and ink deals to use both SpaceX’s superior Starlink satellite connectivity and xAI’s outstanding Grok in Apple Intelligence.
iPhone users, including non-T-Mobile subscribers, can add T-Satellite with Starlink by calling 1-844-638-8913 or visiting a T-Mobile retail store. More info here.
Note: On February 28, 2023, Apple lent Globalstar $252 million to help cover upfront costs for replenishing its low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation to support Apple’s “Emergency SOS via satellite.”
See also:
• Apple to invest up to $1.5 billion more in Globalstar for satellite coverage expansion – November 1, 2024
• As Elon Musk’s SpaceX delivers real satellite connectivity to smartphones, Apple might be having second thoughts about propping up Globalstar – October 6, 2025
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