Amazon Leo strengthens its race with Starlink, with a deal to connect iPhones

Amazon continues to reach for the sky, literally. The trading giant is Get Globalstar satellite service provider To boost Leo – its satellite operation – when it eventually provides direct service to the device.

In the deal, Its value is said to be $11.6 billionAmazon will acquire Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure and assets. Globalstar, based in Louisiana, has 24 satellites and plans to expand to 32 later this year. According to its website. The company provides “critical and emergency communications to customers around the world,” Tuesday’s announcement said.

Amazon and Globalstar expect to close the deal in 2027, pending regulatory approval.

The deal also includes Apple. Availability of Global Star Emergency satellite communication to iPhone From iPhone 14 and above, plus Apple Watch Ultra 3To text emergency services, request roadside assistance, share locations, and message friends and families during natural disasters. Apple bought a 20% stake At Globalstar in November 2024.

Liu “will operate satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including emergency SOS via satellite,” Amazon said in an announcement on Tuesday.

Amazon Leo – “Lion” symbolizes “Low Earth orbit“, where its satellites are located in space – is trying to become a major competitor Starlinkthe global leader in satellite services owned by Elon Musk SpaceX. Starlink has it More than 10,000 satellites In orbit, providing connectivity to smartphones, devices, vehicles and devices as an alternative to cell phone towers.

Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, aims to start offering satellite communications services in early 2028, but there have been obstacles. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told shareholders last week Liu won’t start offering Wi-Fi to governments, airlines, and other companies until mid-2026. One problem is that Amazon It should have 1,600 satellites in orbit by Julyaccording to an FCC deadline, but currently only has 250.

Amazon has asked the FCC to extend the mandate, but the agency has yet to rule.

Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have inked deals with Amazon to use Leo for in-flight connectivity for passengers in the future.

Tuesday’s deal with Globalstar will help bring the Internet to “billions of customers” who are “out of reach of existing networks,” said Panos Panai, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon.

Amazon said Leo, when it begins offering satellite service, “will provide significantly higher spectrum utilization and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems.”