Exploring the evolution of Apple's satellite strategy, from initial radical concepts to Emergency SOS and future 'natural usage' capabilities, amid a shifting competitive landscape.
HM Journal
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about 4 hours ago
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Apple's journey into satellite communications has followed a remarkably consistent pattern, evolving from an ambitious, almost radical dream into a series of increasingly sophisticated, yet practical, offerings. A decade ago, the tech giant began exploring possibilities in the field, hiring top satellite engineers from Alphabet Inc. The initial vision was grand: replacing traditional cellular networks entirely, allowing iPhones to connect directly to space-based networks. This would offer ubiquitous coverage and unparalleled control over Apple's ecosystem, a concept also explored by other tech giants in the mid-2010s but ultimately deemed unfeasible at the time.
Ultimately, Apple pivoted to a more focused, but still groundbreaking, approach. The first tangible outcome arrived with the iPhone 14 in 2022: Emergency SOS via Satellite. This feature, a cautious first step, allowed users without cellular or Wi-Fi service to contact emergency responders in remote areas. Since its inception, the service has proven vital, with over 1.5 million Emergency SOS activations reported since 2022, 85% of which occurred in rural or wilderness areas. This underscores the profound impact of providing basic connectivity where traditional networks fail.
Apple has steadily expanded its satellite offerings since then. In 2023, it introduced roadside assistance via AAA for stranded drivers, a logical extension of emergency services. More recently, in 2025, Apple enabled users to send and receive text messages—not just for emergencies—when off the grid, and has also extended satellite support to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This ongoing development is orchestrated by Apple’s in-house Satellite Connectivity Group (SCG), led by Mike Trela, a senior director in hardware engineering. The SCG team collaborates closely with various internal units, including wireless software, hardware technologies, business development, and regulatory affairs, ensuring a cohesive and integrated strategy.
The current service relies on a partnership with Globalstar Inc., a relatively smaller player in the satellite industry. While Globalstar's constellation of 48 satellites is sufficient for Apple's present needs, and the partnership has contributed $200 million to Globalstar's Q3 2025 revenue, the competitive landscape is rapidly shifting. Apple has notably invested $450 million in Globalstar since 2022 to support its endeavors, a clear sign of its commitment.
The satellite communications sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and competition. Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), with its Starlink constellation operating over 6,000 satellites and boasting 3 million global subscribers, has emerged as a dominant force. Starlink has forged wide-ranging partnerships, including a direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile US Inc., and is exploring synergies with Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. for satellite backhaul, aiming for ubiquitous coverage by 2026. This aggressive expansion by telecom giants into satellite offerings has intensified internal discussions within Apple, where some executives, recalling the project's early code-name "Stewie," have questioned whether Apple, fundamentally not a carrier, should continue to act like one.
Despite these internal debates and external competitive pressures, compelling reasons exist for Apple to maintain its course with an in-house satellite offering:
Apple's development in satellite features is accelerating, with several significant advancements on the horizon:
A potential game-changer in this evolving landscape is Globalstar's exploration of a sale, with SpaceX identified as a possible acquirer. If SpaceX acquires Globalstar, it could accelerate the rollout of these enhancements, including "natural usage" features, by integrating them with Starlink's vast network. This would, however, compel Apple to re-evaluate its business model and long-term strategy for satellite services.
Apple's strategy has been to offer a core set of satellite features—from Emergency SOS to forthcoming enhancements—at no additional cost. This approach aims to drive iPhone sales, encourage upgrades, and further entrench users within its ecosystem. For more advanced capabilities, Apple envisions customers paying carriers, SpaceX, or other satellite providers directly.
A SpaceX-Globalstar merger, while complicating this equation, could also present new opportunities. Apple might collaborate more deeply with SpaceX on premium satellite features, potentially leading to new paid tiers for extended connectivity. While Apple currently has no plans to enable phone calls, video chats, or web browsing via satellite directly, SpaceX is aggressively pursuing these very capabilities.
Ultimately, iPhone users are likely to gain access to these advanced features one way or another. Apple is steadily, if cautiously, closing in on the comprehensive satellite vision it first conceived a decade ago. It's truly just a matter of time, and some crucial details, before that vision becomes a fully integrated reality.