Apple plans to invest up to 220 billion yen in the satellite communication service 'Globalstar' to enhance the satellite communication function of the iPhone

Documents filed by Globalstar with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have revealed that Apple will invest up to $1.5 billion (approximately 228 billion yen) in the satellite communications service Globalstar to enhance the satellite communications capabilities of its iPhones .

SEC Filing - Globalstar, Inc.
https://investors.globalstar.com/node/15606/html

Apple to invest up to $1.5 bln in Globalstar for satellite coverage expansion | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-invest-up-15-bln-globalstar-satellite-coverage-expansion-2024-11-01/

Apple is buying 20 percent of its iPhone satellite services partner - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285347/apple-globalstar-investment-expansion-emergency-sos-satellite

Apple expands iPhone satellite services deal, commits $1.1bn to expand capacity - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/01/apple-expands-iphone-satellite-services-deal/

The iPhone 14 series and later are equipped with an emergency SOS function via satellite that can be used in areas where mobile phone networks cannot reach. The emergency SOS function service started in Japan on July 30, 2024.

'Emergency SOS via satellite' service that allows you to call 110 or 119 from your iPhone even when you're out of range finally launches in Japan - GIGAZINE

iOS 18 also now uses satellite communications to let you send text messages to friends and family even when you're in an area with no satellite coverage.

'iOS 18' is here, a more flexible OS that allows you to freely arrange app icons and customize them to your preferred colors - GIGAZINE

To provide satellite communications services for the iPhone, Apple has partnered with Globalstar. According to a document Globalstar filed with the SEC on October 29, Apple will pay Globalstar $1.1 billion in cash and acquire $400 million in stock, or 20 percent of the total.

The investment is aimed at improving Globalstar's satellite communications infrastructure. Globalstar said in a filing that the deal with Apple is for the deployment of a new satellite constellation , the expansion of its ground infrastructure, and an increase in its global mobile satellite service licenses.

In exchange for Apple's investment, Globalstar will allocate 85% of its network capacity to Apple. The deal is expected to close on Tuesday, November 5th.

Apple initially said it would provide satellite communications functionality to iPhone 14 users free of charge for two years, but later extended the free period until 2025.

Apple announces that it will extend the free satellite communication and emergency SOS feature period for iPhone 14 users by one year until 2025 - GIGAZINE

Technology media 9to5Mac said that while the satellite communication feature is likely to become a paid feature at some point, the life-saving emergency SOS feature will remain free, and that features such as sending text messages via satellite and sharing location information may be charged.