Apple's Satellite Ambitions: From Radical Vision to Groundbreaking Reality
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.
Groundbreaking Steps: Emergency SOS and Expanded Connectivity
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.
Navigating a Competitive and Evolving Market
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.
Apple's Rationale for an In-House Offering
Despite these internal debates and external competitive pressures, compelling reasons exist for Apple to maintain its course with an in-house satellite offering:
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Long-term Shift Towards Satellites: Industry analysts predict a significant shift, with satellites potentially becoming a dominant technology for mobile connections. By investing early and directly, Apple positions itself at the forefront of this transition, rather than depending on carriers to dictate the pace or innovation. IDC forecasts the global satellite-to-device market to reach $10 billion by 2028, with Apple capturing a projected 15% share through iPhone integrations.
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Control Over the User Experience: Apple’s philosophy has always centered on end-to-end control, ensuring that hardware, software, and services work seamlessly. By owning the satellite software and user interface, Apple can guarantee that features meet its stringent design, privacy, and security standards—crucial for maintaining user trust and ecosystem integrity. This approach also allows for privacy-centric features like end-to-end encryption.
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Global Reach: Apple's products are sold in nearly every market worldwide. While US carriers have been quick to embrace satellite technology, many international providers have lagged. Apple’s direct involvement helps bridge this global coverage gap, expanding Emergency SOS to 20+ countries, including 8 new EU countries in October 2025.
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Technical Dependencies: Apple’s current satellite protocols were developed primarily for Globalstar’s network, making them not fully compatible with other providers’ systems. This reliance creates a strong incentive for Apple to continue building its own expertise and infrastructure, giving it strategic flexibility and reducing reliance on third-party technologies.
Future Horizons: Expanding Capabilities and "Natural Usage"
Apple's development in satellite features is accelerating, with several significant advancements on the horizon:
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Third-Party App Framework: A satellite connectivity API is being developed, with a beta expected in Q1 2026, allowing developers to integrate off-grid satellite connections into their own apps, potentially expanding services like WhatsApp messaging.
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Satellite-Powered Maps: The company is actively testing satellite connectivity for Apple Maps, enabling users to navigate even without cellular or Wi-Fi access, a crucial feature for adventurers and those in remote areas.
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Richer Messaging Capabilities: Apple is working on enhanced satellite messaging to support photo attachments in addition to basic text, rolling out in 2025, significantly improving communication when off-grid.
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"Natural Usage" Improvements: One of the biggest limitations of current satellite connectivity is the need for an unobstructed view of the sky. Apple is aiming for "natural usage," allowing users to remain connected even if their iPhone is in a pocket, a car, or indoors, eliminating the need for physical device pointing. Achieving this, however, requires major upgrades to Globalstar's satellite infrastructure, improvements Apple has already helped finance with a recent $500 million investment.
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Satellite over 5G (5G NTN): Next year’s iPhones (likely iPhone 17, expected 2026) are slated to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). This technology allows cellular towers to tap satellites for increased coverage, enabling seamless hybrid cellular-satellite handover and ensuring lower latency, especially when integrated with Apple's in-house modems.
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.
Business Model and Strategic Implications
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.
