Apple and Amazon are teaming up to challenge Starlink’s smartphone ambitions

Amazon has agreed to buy Globalstar’s low-Earth orbit satellite network for $11.57 billion.

The company will keep supporting Apple’s current Emergency SOS and other satellite features while building future services for iPhones and Apple Watches through Amazon Leo.

The deal includes Globalstar’s spectrum, operations, and assets, and still needs regulatory approval before closing in 2027.

The partnership could reshape direct-to-device satellite connectivity for phones and wearables and strengthen an alternative to Starlink.