Amazon plans to deploy a 5,105-satellite constellation using Globalstar spectrum to provide enhanced satellite-based voice, data, and emergency services for Apple iPhone and Apple Watch users starting in 2028.

Key Points

• Amazon has filed an FCC application to launch a five-shell low Earth orbit satellite network to provide global cellular connectivity.
• The project integrates Globalstar’s infrastructure, which Amazon expects to acquire by 2027 pending regulatory approval.
• The expanded network will support existing Apple features like Emergency SOS, Find My, and Roadside Assistance while enabling faster data throughput.
• Amazon’s satellite constellation is designed to reach any mobile device equipped with a compatible chipset, regardless of local cell tower availability.
• Deployment of the satellite shells is scheduled to begin in 2028, covering both densely populated regions and polar areas.

Why it Matters

This partnership signals a significant expansion in satellite-to-cellular technology, potentially making reliable mobile connectivity available in remote areas globally. By integrating these services directly into consumer hardware, Apple and Amazon are setting a new standard for emergency communication and mobile data accessibility.