Amazon plans to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites to enhance communication for Apple devices and provide a network to areas where existing communication networks do not reach.
Amazon Leo, a satellite communications service provider, has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate up to 5,105 low-Earth orbit satellites. The plan is to build a direct-to-device (D2D) system that connects satellites and terminals directly without the need for base stations.
Amazon Leo D2D: How satellites will connect your phone from space
Amazon's trying to launch a global satellite cellphone network in 2028 | The Verge
According to Amazon Leo's announcement, the new D2D system is scheduled to be rolled out starting in 2028, with plans to deploy satellites into low Earth orbit through more than 100 launch missions. 'We aim to bridge the gap by providing high-speed, low-latency broadband to a wide range of people, including billions of people living in areas where existing communication networks do not reach,' Amazon Leo said.
In addition to personal use, it is envisioned that disaster prevention organizations can use it during disaster response, as well as for global vehicle management by private companies and government organizations, remote operation in trade transportation, IoT connectivity for remote sensors, and emergency message transmission when ground networks are unavailable.
Amazon Leo's system is designed to be used with mobile devices that already support satellite communication services, such as smartphones with built-in satellite communication chipsets released by major manufacturers, so it can be easily used with existing devices.
In the past, a partnership with Apple had been announced, and it was reported that they planned to provide satellite services for compatible iPhones and Apple Watches. Features such as 'Emergency SOS via satellite,' 'Messages via satellite,' and 'Find My' will be available via satellite.
In April 2026, it was reported that Amazon Leo would acquire satellite communications service Globalstar. Apple's satellite communications service uses Globalstar, and an agreement was signed at that time to switch to Amazon Leo after the acquisition.
Amazon announces it will acquire satellite communications service Globalstar for over 1.8 trillion yen - GIGAZINE
Amazon Leo already has more than 390 satellites in orbit, and this number is expected to enable the launch of 'initial services' in the second half of 2026.
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