Globalstar already supplies emergency satellite connections for compatible iPhones and Apple Watches. The agreement commits Amazon’s Leo business to support those devices and develop future services with Apple.
Amazon’s Leo satellite business is set to provide satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models under its Globalstar acquisition agreement, Engadget said on October 28. Globalstar already supplies emergency satellite connectivity for compatible Apple devices.
Apple announced satellite-based emergency messaging for iPhone over Globalstar’s network in the United States and Canada on September 7, 2022. In October 2024, Globalstar disclosed that Apple had agreed to acquire a 20% stake.
Engadget described Apple’s holding as a 20% stake in Globalstar. MacRumors identified the legal interest more precisely on May 27, 2026: Apple held 20% equity and 20% voting interests in Globalstar Licensee LLC, the subsidiary operating the satellite system used by iPhones.
Apple invested $450 million in 2022 to fund Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure for Emergency SOS via satellite. Apple and Amazon later reached a separate agreement over Apple’s stake. Under the planned merger structure, an Amazon subsidiary would absorb Globalstar’s operations and then acquire Apple’s equity.
The arrangement covers models already using Globalstar’s network and existing features including Emergency SOS via satellite and Messages via satellite. Apple and Amazon also plan to work together on future satellite services using an expanded Leo network.
The existing features also include Find My and Roadside Assistance via satellite. The covered iPhone and Apple Watch models use Globalstar’s low-Earth-orbit constellation.
The W27 keeps the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra’s core hardware, with dark-red or dark-blue finishes, golden accents and 16GB of working memory in both storage versions.
2 min
Amazon has said Globalstar’s assets would expand Leo’s satellite network and enable direct-to-device service—connections delivered directly from satellites to devices.
MacRumors’s May 27 report put the acquisition’s expected completion in 2027, conditional on regulatory approval. Completion would bring Globalstar’s operations and Apple’s stake under Amazon’s planned ownership structure.
Engadget reported on October 28 that the US Federal Communications Commission had approved the proposed acquisition. Under the planned merger, a new Amazon subsidiary, Grapefruit Acquisition Sub II, would absorb Globalstar’s operations and then acquire Apple’s equity. The agreement calls for Leo to provide satellite services to supported Apple devices.
The satellite operator expects access to more than twice OneWeb’s current bandwidth in return for spending in 2027–2034, with initial IRIS² services expected from 2030.
3 min
The black, gold and green edition follows September’s sold-out preorders. Nintendo’s replenished launch-day stock also quickly sold out.
1 min
