Amazon vs. SpaceX: Satellite Wars šš°ļø
April 14, 2026
Tech
š§ Audio Summaries
š§
š Shop on Amazon
Amazon has reached an agreement to acquire Globalstarās low-Earth orbit satellite network for $11.57 billion, securing its spectrum licenses and operations. Apple maintains a 20% ownership stake, ensuring continued support for services like Emergency SOS on iPhones and Apple Watches. The deal, slated for closure in 2027, integrates Globalstarās existing networkācurrently operating with approximately 25 satellitesāwith Amazonās expanding Leo constellation, which boasts over 200 satellites. This strategic move aims to deliver high-speed connectivity globally, leveraging partnerships with mobile network operators and utilizing SpaceXās substantial satellite presence. Ultimately, Amazon seeks to provide reliable communication services worldwide, building upon its existing collaborations with Apple and expanding its satellite network to over 3,200 satellites.
GLOBALSTARāS STRATEGIC SALE AND AMAZONāS EXPANSION
Amazonās acquisition of Globalstarās low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network represents a significant strategic move, solidifying Amazonās ambitions within the burgeoning space-based connectivity market. The $11.57 billion deal encompasses not just the satellite network itself, but also its spectrum licenses, operations, and associated assets. This acquisition is intrinsically linked to Amazonās ongoing development of the Leo internet satellite constellation, aiming to create a comprehensive global connectivity solution. Crucially, the agreement ensures continued support for existing services like Emergency SOS for iPhones and Apple Watches, leveraging Globalstarās established direct-to-device capabilities. The anticipated closure date for the transaction is 2027, contingent upon regulatory approvals, highlighting the scale and complexity of this undertaking. The deal underscores Amazonās desire to integrate diverse satellite technologies, creating a layered approach to providing connectivity services worldwide.
INTEGRATING EXISTING SERVICES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The transactionās key element lies in Amazonās commitment to maintaining compatibility with existing services. Currently, Globalstar provides direct-to-device Emergency SOS functionality for iPhones and Apple Watches, a service distinct from Starlinkās Direct-to-Cell (Starlink Mobile) which relies on partnerships with carriers for messaging. SpaceXās deployment of over 650 cellular-equipped satellites within the broader Starlink network ā representing approximately 6.5% of the planned 10,000 ā demonstrates the competitive landscape and the potential for integration. Amazonās plan is to collaborate with mobile network operators to achieve its vision of reliable, high-speed connectivity globally. Furthermore, Amazon is aggressively expanding its Leo constellation, currently boasting over 200 satellites, with an ambitious target of over 3,200 satellites within the next few years, manufactured by MDA Space. This expansion is critical to Amazon's strategy of offering seamless connectivity across diverse locations.
APPLEāS PARTNERSHIP AND THE ROAD AHEAD
The agreement between Amazon and Apple to provide satellite connectivity for iPhones and Apple Watches represents a powerful synergy. Globalstar currently powers satellite services on iPhone 14 and later, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 3, enabling users to text emergency services, message contacts, request roadside assistance, and share their location. With the Amazon-Apple partnership, Amazon will continue supporting these existing iPhone and Apple Watch models, leveraging the expanded capabilities of Amazon Leoās satellite network. MDA Space is responsible for manufacturing the satellites utilized within this network. This collaboration is projected to drive innovation in future satellite services, integrating seamlessly with both existing and upcoming Apple devices, and ultimately contributing to Amazonās broader goal of providing ubiquitous connectivity worldwide.
Our editorial team uses AI tools to aggregate and synthesize global reporting. Data is cross-referenced with public records as of April 2026.