Amazon’s planned takeover of Globalstar is drawing attention far beyond the satellite industry because Apple is also tied to the deal. Even so, the satellite features built into iPhone and Apple Watch are said to remain in place, with Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance continuing as usual after the transaction is completed.
The key reason this matters is Globalstar’s role in Apple’s satellite services. The company helps power features that allow Apple devices to reach for help outside normal cellular coverage, making it an important part of Apple’s safety-focused ecosystem.
Apple’s services are not expected to be disrupted
Amazon has said the agreement will not affect Apple, and that position is central to the current concern around the deal. That assurance is important because satellite support has become one of the most notable safety functions available on Apple devices.
As long as Globalstar continues providing service support, iPhone and Apple Watch users are expected to keep access to Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance. Amazon also said it will continue working with Apple, while leaving the door open for additional services later on.
Why Amazon wants Globalstar
The acquisition is not simply about adding another company to Amazon’s portfolio. Amazon is building Amazon Leo, a broadband satellite service designed to deliver low-latency connectivity through a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation.
That larger strategy makes Globalstar a strategic asset. Its network position in satellite services could help Amazon strengthen its push in an increasingly competitive market and give the company a more solid foundation for its satellite ambitions.
Apple’s stake is part of the transaction
To complete the merger with Globalstar, Amazon must also acquire the 20% stake that Apple previously held. That part of the process is being handled through a newly formed subsidiary called “Grapefruit Acquisition Sub II, LLC.”
Apple’s connection to Globalstar has already been established through a $1.1 billion commitment signed in 2024. In that same arrangement, Apple also bought $400 million worth of shares, reinforcing the commercial relationship that is now being carried into Amazon’s transaction.
A deal that keeps room for expansion
Amazon’s approach does not appear to end with its current relationship structure. The company has said it intends to expand partnerships and offer satellite services to other smartphone makers in the future.
That direction suggests a broader commercial plan for Globalstar, beyond supporting Apple’s devices. If Amazon follows through, satellite connectivity could move from being closely associated with Apple’s ecosystem to serving a wider consumer device market.
For now, the immediate message is straightforward: the change in Globalstar’s ownership is not expected to interrupt the satellite features already available on iPhone and Apple Watch. Amazon is taking control of a key satellite player, but it is also signaling that Apple’s existing services should continue while new opportunities are explored.