SpaceX will launch satellites to operate the Emergency SOS service on Apple iPhones.

September 5, 2023

Globalstar, Apple's satellite partner, has agreed to pay $64 million to Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch new satellites. These satellites will be used to improve the Emergency SOS communication network via satellite on iPhones, according to reports from Nola.

According to the agreed details announced through a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Globalstar will make these payments to SpaceX in installments from 2023 to 2025, the period during which SpaceX plans to launch these satellites.

Last year, Apple introduced the Emergency SOS via satellite function on the new iPhone 14 models. This technology allows iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max to communicate with emergency services even when no WiFi or cellular network is available.

Globalstar manages the satellites that make the Emergency SOS operation possible and is an Apple partner. Initially, Apple announced that use of Emergency SOS via satellite would be free for two years, without yet providing details on the cost of the service in the future.

The $64 million that Globalstar is paying SpaceX is likely only a portion of the total cost of operating the satellites, and it is expected that this cost will be passed on to Apple. Therefore, it makes sense that there will eventually be a charge, large or small, for those who wish to use the Emergency SOS service via satellite.

In addition, Globalstar has agreed to allocate 85% of its current and future network capacity to Apple's iPhones. In addition, it will manage and maintain personnel, software, satellite systems, quality and coverage standards, and other related services.

Prior to the release of the iPhone 14 models, Globalstar purchased $327 million worth of satellite equipment from a Canadian company and Apple provided Globalstar with a $252 million loan. All of these funds have been invested in developing, upgrading and maintaining the network.

Emergency SOS by satellite is available in many countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Germany, Ireland, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Portugal and the United Kingdom.