Apple promises $1.1 billion to expand this iPhone emergency feature

Satellite services provider, GlobalStar has announced that iPhone maker Apple has promised to invest an additional $1.1 billion in upfront infrastructure prepayments to expand its satellite capabilities. In a filing, (seen by StreetInsider.com) the company also noted that Apple will also acquire a 20% ownership stake in Globalstar for nearly $400 million. This news has sent Globalstar’s stock price soaring and suggests that Apple has ambitious plans for its iPhone satellite features. Currently, iPhone users can send text messages over satellite when outside of cellular or Wi-Fi range, a feature introduced with iOS 18.
While Apple currently offers this feature for free, the company has indicated that it may eventually charge users for satellite services. The emergency feature is currently available in the US as well as a few other markets and is excepted to debut soon in India and more countries . This investment in Globalstar’s infrastructure underscores Apple’s commitment to expanding this feature to other countries as well as enhancing its satellite offerings for iPhone users.