Amazon is reportedly in “talks” to buy Globalstar, the company that bundles Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features. Apple’s 20% stake in the company is a key factor in the negotiations.
Amazon may have the company powering Emergency SOS through its satellite feature
The Financial Times reports A complicating factor is Amazon’s interest in buying Globalstar and Apple’s ownership stake.
One complicating factor, the people said, is Apple’s 20 percent stake in Globalstar, necessitating negotiations between Amazon and Apple.
Apple bought a 20% stake in Globalstar November 2024it was worth about $400 million at the time.
Apple also agreed to pay $1.1 billion in “infrastructure upfront payments” to help Globalstar build its satellite network as part of the deal.
Globalstar’s valuation rose astronomically after Apple’s stake, potentially valuing Apple’s earnings at about $1.1 billion — the same amount it paid upfront for the service in 2024.
Apple currently supports Emergency SOS via satellite On iPhone 14 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The service allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to access emergency services when cellular communication is unavailable.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s interest centers around the company’s plans to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service.
Amazon is building Amazon Leo, formerly Project Kuiper, as its own satellite internet service.
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