The Amazon Globalstar Acquisition is moving forward after Amazon revealed plans to acquire Globalstar and take over Apple’s existing 20% stake in the satellite communications company. The deal could help Amazon compete directly with Starlink and expand satellite-to-phone services for smartphones, wearables, and connected devices.
The Amazon Globalstar Acquisition has emerged as one of the biggest developments in the satellite communications industry. Amazon recently disclosed new details about its proposed $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar, the company that currently powers Apple’s Emergency SOS satellite service on iPhones.
The move signals Amazon’s growing ambitions in the direct-to-device satellite market, where SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile are already competing for leadership.
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Amazon Globalstar Acquisition Includes Apple’s Existing Stake
New regulatory filings reveal that Amazon plans to acquire Apple’s current 20% ownership stake in Globalstar as part of the transaction. Apple originally secured the stake through a $1 billion investment agreement signed in 2024.
Key Deal Details
| Item | Details |
| Acquirer | Amazon |
| Target Company | Globalstar |
| Deal Value | $11.6 Billion |
| Apple Stake Included | 20% |
| Industry | Satellite Communications |
Amazon intends to complete the acquisition through a newly created subsidiary that will handle the merger process.
What This Means For Apple Users
Despite losing its ownership stake, Apple users are unlikely to see disruptions.
Amazon has reportedly committed to continuing satellite services that support iPhone emergency features. Globalstar currently provides the infrastructure behind Emergency SOS and other satellite-powered services available on recent iPhone models.
Existing Apple Satellite Features
- Emergency SOS via Satellite
- Roadside Assistance
- Location Sharing via Satellite
- Emergency Messaging
Furthermore, Amazon says future investments could strengthen the network that millions of iPhone users already depend on when cellular coverage is unavailable.
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Why Amazon Wants Globalstar
The Amazon Globalstar Acquisition is not only about Apple.
Instead, Amazon appears focused on building a broader satellite-to-phone ecosystem that works across multiple smartphone brands, carriers, and connected devices.
This strategy could help Amazon compete more aggressively against:
- Starlink Mobile
- AST SpaceMobile
- Traditional telecom operators
- Future satellite connectivity providers
As a result, the acquisition could accelerate competition in the rapidly growing direct-to-device satellite market.
Amazon Plans Major Network Upgrades
One of the most important aspects of the Amazon Globalstar Acquisition involves network modernization.
Current satellite messaging services mainly focus on emergency communication. However, Amazon wants to expand capabilities significantly.
Expected Future Features
| Feature | Current Status |
| Emergency Messaging | Available |
| Text Messaging | Planned Expansion |
| Voice Calling | Planned |
| Data Connectivity | Planned |
| IoT Connectivity | Planned |
Amazon believes future upgrades can improve coverage, increase network capacity, shorten connection times, and strengthen signal reliability in challenging environments.
New Direct-To-Device Satellite Network Planned
Amazon is also developing a next-generation satellite constellation that would operate alongside Globalstar’s existing infrastructure and upcoming C-3 satellite network.
The company’s vision includes:
- Direct smartphone connectivity
- Enhanced voice services
- Improved text messaging
- Mobile data support
- IoT device communication
Importantly, Amazon says future services could work with standard devices that follow modern telecommunications standards without requiring special hardware.
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Why The Amazon Globalstar Acquisition Matters
The Amazon Globalstar Acquisition could reshape the future of mobile connectivity.
Today, satellite communication mainly serves emergency situations. However, companies increasingly view satellites as a way to eliminate mobile dead zones entirely.
If Amazon successfully upgrades Globalstar’s network, consumers could eventually gain access to voice calls, messaging, and data services even in remote areas where traditional cellular networks cannot reach.
That vision places Amazon directly into competition with SpaceX, Apple-backed satellite services, and other companies racing to build the next generation of global connectivity.
FAQ
Amazon plans to acquire Globalstar in an $11.6 billion deal.
Yes, Amazon intends to take over Apple’s existing 20% ownership stake.
Yes, Amazon says it plans to continue supporting satellite services used by iPhones.
Amazon wants to expand satellite-to-phone connectivity and compete with Starlink and AST SpaceMobile.
Yes, Amazon has indicated plans to add voice, messaging, and data capabilities.
Ankush Gupta is a Technology News writer covering Smartphones, AI, software, gaming, laptops, iOS updates, tech trends. He focuses on creating simple, informative, and reader-friendly news in Simple English Language.
