Amazon Acquires Globalstar, Apple's Satellite Operator Partner
Amazon has acquired Globalstar, a telecommunications company providing low-Earth orbit satellite communication services. This corporate action was announced on Tuesday (14 April 2026) US time.
According to Amazon, the acquisition will enable Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite services to provide direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, while expanding network coverage to areas not reached by terrestrial networks.
On the same occasion, Amazon also announced an agreement with Apple. This agreement ensures that Project Kuiper will support satellite services on iPhones, Apple Watches, and Apple’s Emergency SOS service via satellite.
“By combining Globalstar’s expertise with Amazon’s, customers can expect faster and more reliable services in more places, keeping them connected to people and important things,” said Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices & Services at Amazon.
“We are pleased to support Apple users through the D2D system and look forward to working with mobile network partners to help extend coverage to every corner of the planet,” he added.
In this acquisition, Amazon will purchase Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, and existing assets, including mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum licences with global authorisation.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s Project Kuiper D2D service is targeted to operate from 2028, claimed to offer faster speeds than older systems. The service covers voice, data, and more advanced messaging to mobile phones and other mobile devices.
Before being acquired by Amazon, Globalstar had partnered with Apple to provide satellite services on iPhone 14 or newer iPhones, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Through the Apple-Amazon collaboration, following Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar, Project Kuiper will provide satellite networks for current and future iPhones and Apple Watches.
The acquisition of Globalstar by Amazon has been approved by approximately 58% of voting rights holders. The purchase agreement is targeted to be completed in 2027.