Amazon buys the satellite internet company behind Apple’s SOS system

Amazon announced it's merging with Globalstar, the satellite company that provides emergency connectivity for Apple devices, to strengthen its Leo satellite network and compete with Starlink. Apple owns 20 percent of Globalstar but will continue using Leo's services when the network launches direct-to-device capabilities in 2028, with the deal closing in 2027. Amazon faces pressure to deploy 1,600 satellites by July 2026 but currently expects only 700 operational satellites by then.