Amazon just took over iPhone satellite service
Amazon announced Tuesday the acquisition of Globalstar, a satellite telecommunications service provider. This means that the satellite coverage provided by Globalstar to iPhones and Apple Watches will now fall under Amazon Leo, Amazon’s satellite internet network.
Apple began adding satellite access to the iPhone in 2022 with the iPhone 14 series. It is not used as a primary method of connectivity; it was introduced as a safety feature allowing users to contact emergency services when out of cellular range. Using satellite connectivity, users can text emergency services and family and friends, request roadside assistance and share their location.
Panos Panay, senior vice president of Amazon, posted on »
Will Amazon provide satellite coverage for free?
Free satellite coverage is included with iPhones purchased after 2022. When introduced, Apple said it was a two-year trial, but then added an additional year of coverage when the iPhone 15 was introduced in 2023. Then, in September 2025, Apple announced another coverage extension so the iPhone 14/15 owner would have satellite until September 9, 2026. iPhone 16 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 3 get free satellite coverage until September. 2028.
Tuesday’s announcement includes a statement that Amazon has reached an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity “for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features.” However, no details are provided as to whether the service will continue to be offered for free or whether it will become a subscription-based service once the free coverage expires.
Amazon also says that later this year it will roll out its own next-generation direct-to-device satellite system, which will “deliver significantly higher spectrum utilization and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems, resulting in faster speeds and better performance for customers.”
