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

Amazon is acquiring Globalstar's satellite network for $11.57 billion to challenge SpaceX's Starlink in the smartphone connectivity market. The deal includes taking over Apple's existing partnership with Globalstar, which provides Emergency SOS services for iPhones and Apple Watches through direct-to-device connections. Amazon plans to integrate Globalstar's 25 satellites with its own Leo constellation of over 200 satellites, aiming to offer both direct device services and carrier partnerships to compete with Starlink's mobile services.