Amazon is reportedly in negotiations to acquire satellite telecommunications firm Globalstar for $9 billion, though Apple’s existing 20 percent ownership stake has complicated the potential acquisition deal.

Key Points

• Amazon aims to purchase Globalstar to bolster its satellite internet capabilities and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network.
• Apple currently holds a 20 percent stake in Globalstar following a $1.5 billion investment made in 2024.
• The existing partnership grants Apple access to 85 percent of Globalstar’s network capacity for iPhone features like Emergency SOS and satellite messaging.
• Apple is planning future satellite-based features, including improved mapping and third-party API support, which require infrastructure upgrades from Globalstar.
• Amazon’s own Project Kuiper satellite program currently operates over 180 satellites, significantly trailing the scale of SpaceX’s fleet.

Why it Matters

This acquisition would significantly accelerate Amazon's efforts to build a global satellite network capable of challenging SpaceX's market dominance. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether Apple retains its critical infrastructure access or if Amazon must renegotiate the terms to integrate Globalstar into its broader connectivity strategy.