Apple and Amazon Partner on Satellite Deal

Counting satellites and subscribers

Amazon said on Tuesday that it’s agreed to acquire satellite company Globalstar, a major step for the e-commerce business as it works to build out a space-based Wi-Fi service through its Leo initiative.

Amazon also announced that it signed an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features. The partnership was made possible via an existing deal Apple already had with Globalstar.

Amazon said on Tuesday that it plans to work with Apple on future satellite services. “Amazon will continue to support iPhone and Apple Watch models currently using Globalstar’s existing and planned upcoming low Earth orbit satellite constellations, being manufactured by MDA Space, and collaborate with Apple on future satellite services using Amazon Leo’s expanded satellite network,” a news release read.

Source: Barron’s via Apple Stocks

NB: I assume Apple has wanted to steer clear of Starlink but it’s not clear that was a primary consideration in choosing Globalstar.

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