Apple is taking a 20 % stake in its iPhone satellite tv for pc connectivity associate Globalstar — a stake price $400 million — as a part of an growth of its cope with the corporate. Globalstar may even obtain a prepayment of $1.1 billion from Apple that’s meant to enhance satellite tv for pc infrastructure.
Apple depends on Globalstar’s satellites to allow to ship emergency textual content messages, iMessage reactions, and extra by means of the skies in areas with no cell sign. Globalstar disclosed the small print of the deal growth in an SEC filing, which incorporates “a brand new satellite tv for pc constellation, expanded floor infrastructure, and elevated international [mobile satellite services] licensing.”
Apple launched its Emergency SOS feature on the iPhone 14 in 2022 and expanded it with iOS 18, enabling off-grid customers to ship and obtain texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS out within the wilderness.
Apple intends to cost house owners for satellite tv for pc connectivity service sooner or later however nonetheless hasn’t. Beginning with the iPhone 14, Apple has supplied entry to its satellite tv for pc options free of charge two years together with your telephone. However final 12 months, iPhone 14 house owners were given an extra year, extending free service to as early as November 2025.
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