Amazon is reportedly considering acquiring Globalstar , the company behind Apple's SOS via Satellite .
Apple has bought a 20% stake in Globalstar, which means the company is also in talks to be acquired by Amazon. Globalstar is responsible for the SOS via Satellite on the iPhone and Apple Watch. The feature, which was introduced with the iPhone 14 and has been made available on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, relies on satellites operated by Globalstar.
Apple also invested $1.1 billion in Globalstar's infrastructure and has some agreements with the company. One of them allowed SOS via Satellite to remain essentially free for new iPhone buyers. No information has yet been released on whether it will require any kind of service fee for emergency communication.
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Apple's website still says you only have two years after activating an iPhone or Apple Watch to access Satellite SOS. No details have been shared about what would happen if you needed the service after that two-year period and how much it would cost.
Amazon's purchase of the company could include further investment in satellite infrastructure. Apple already uses Amazon servers for storage, so a partnership with Amazon is not impossible.
The deal could be beneficial for Apple users – as long as Apple still has access to the Globalstar network.
What would Amazon's acquisition of Globalstar mean?
According to a report from the Financial Times, which was covered by 9to5Mac, Amazon is in talks to acquire the company. Such an acquisition could have significant implications for the technology industry, especially when it comes to satellite communications services. Globalstar, with its infrastructure, provides the ability to send emergency messages via satellite, which has proven particularly useful for Apple device users in areas without mobile coverage.
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Amazon, with this acquisition, could expand its capabilities in the field of satellite communications, strengthening its services and offering new possibilities to its customers. This move could also affect Amazon's relations with Apple, given that the latter has already invested significantly in Globalstar. Negotiations are ongoing and further developments are expected in the near future.
Amazon's acquisition of Globalstar could signal a new era for satellite communications, with the two companies collaborating to develop new technologies and services.
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This potential acquisition is expected to spark interest in the tech community, as its implications could be broad and multifaceted. Apple device users should keep an eye on developments, as the acquisition could affect the services they use every day.
