Amazon is acquiring Globalstar in a deal valued at roughly $11 billion, bringing the satellite operator behind Apple’s iPhone connectivity features into its growing Amazon Leo network. Alongside the acquisition, Amazon and Apple have signed a new agreement that will shift Apple’s satellite services to Amazon Leo.
The move combines two parallel developments into one. Amazon strengthens its position in the satellite connectivity race, while Apple secures a long term partner to power features that have become increasingly important across iPhone and Apple Watch. Instead of replacing its existing system, Apple is effectively continuing it under Amazon’s infrastructure.
Apple first introduced satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14, initially focused on Emergency SOS in areas without cellular coverage. Over time, that expanded to include Messages via satellite, Find My location sharing, and roadside assistance. All of these services have relied on Globalstar’s low Earth orbit satellite network so far.
Under the new agreement, Amazon Leo will now power those same features going forward. Amazon has confirmed that it will continue supporting current iPhone and Apple Watch models using Globalstar’s existing and upcoming satellite constellation, while also working with Apple on future services built on its expanded network.
For users, there is no immediate change. Existing satellite features will continue to work as they do today. The shift is happening behind the scenes, where Amazon will integrate Globalstar’s satellites, infrastructure, and licensed spectrum into its own network to scale direct to device connectivity more efficiently.
This is a significant step for Amazon Leo. The company has been building out its satellite network as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, but it is still in earlier stages with only a few hundred satellites launched so far. Globalstar adds an operational fleet, valuable spectrum, and an established direct to device system already used by millions of Apple devices.
The Apple partnership is a key advantage. Apple has been Globalstar’s largest customer and previously committed around $1.5 billion to secure network capacity and support satellite expansion. That relationship now carries over to Amazon, giving it a high profile consumer use case as it scales its services.
At the same time, the broader goal goes beyond Apple. Amazon plans to expand Leo into a global satellite network capable of delivering connectivity to consumers, businesses, and governments, especially in areas where traditional cellular infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
The deal is expected to close in 2027, pending regulatory approval. Until then, Globalstar’s current and planned satellites will continue operating as expected, while Amazon and Apple begin working on the next phase of satellite connectivity.
