As part of its acquisition of satellite communications service Globalstar, Amazon plans to acquire Apple's 20% stake in Globalstar.
It has been revealed that Amazon plans to acquire Apple's 20% stake in satellite communications service Globalstar as part of its acquisition of Globalstar.
Amazon to Take Over Apple's 20% Stake in Globalstar as Part of Acquisition
Amazon plans to acquire Apple's 20% stake in Globalstar - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/27/fcc-filing-shows-amazon-plans-to-acquire-apples-20-stake-in-globalstar/
In April 2026, Amazon announced the acquisition of Globalstar. Globalstar is a mobile satellite services (MSS) provider that offers wireless communication services via artificial satellites, and is known as a pioneer in non-geostationary satellites and D2D technology that directly connects satellites to mobile devices. By acquiring Globalstar, Amazon will be able to add D2D services to its own satellite communication service, Amazon Leo , and expand its coverage to customers outside the range of its terrestrial network.
Amazon announces it will acquire satellite communications service Globalstar for over 1.8 trillion yen - GIGAZINE
Amazon has filed documents with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding its acquisition of Globalstar and is urging the FCC to approve the acquisition in order to compete with SpaceX in the satellite communications field.
Amazon's acquisition plan includes establishing a subsidiary, 'Grapefruit Acquisition Sub II,' to facilitate the acquisition. This subsidiary is also planned to acquire a 20% stake in Globalstar, which Apple acquired in 2024. Apple acquired the 20% stake in Globalstar for $400 million.
Apple offers satellite-based emergency SOS on iPhone 14 and later models. Apple uses Globalstar's communication services for this emergency SOS, and when Amazon acquired Globalstar, they entered into an agreement to enable iPhones and Apple Watches to use Amazon Leo's satellite communication services.
In its filings with the FCC, Amazon acknowledged the limitations of Globalstar's network, stating, 'Existing MSS services often require clear skies because signal strength is insufficient to penetrate trees, buildings, and inclement weather. Amazon's satellites will offer wider range, higher capacity, faster connection times, and improved signal quality in many locations and situations where existing MSS services cannot reach. These improvements, combined with the enhanced voice capabilities of the system that Amazon plans to implement, will significantly expand the potential that satellite connectivity brings to consumers and businesses around the world.'
Globalstar is building a satellite constellation consisting of 48 satellites. Amazon is reportedly aiming to expand its business by deploying the next-generation D2D satellite constellation in parallel with its existing satellites to upgrade Globalstar's satellite communications service for iPhones.
Amazon told the FCC that 'Amazon's new D2D satellites will enhance Globalstar's existing and planned services by enabling features that Globalstar cannot currently provide, such as robust voice, text, and data connectivity to cellular and IoT devices compliant with 3GPP NTN standards without requiring additional specialized equipment.'
In addition, Amazon is also preparing to launch its Amazon Leo service at the same time as acquiring Globalstar.
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