Apple extends free satellite SOS service for iPhone 14-16 users until Sep 9 Pacific Time; Amazon acquires Globalstar to support satellite connectivity.
Apple extends free satellite emergency SOS for iPhone 14-16 until Sep 9 Pacific Time, overlapping with Amazon's acquisition of Globalstar to support satellite connectivity for iPhone and Apple Watch. The extension marks a third renewal past the initial two-year promise, with no announced pricing for future periods; Amazon's deal includes using Globalstar's network via its LEO satellites and a new agreement with Apple to support SOS features. The timeline includes Amazon’s $11.57 billion purchase of Globalstar on Apr 14, 2026, and Apple’s $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar in Nov 2024, with roughly $1.1 billion cash and $0.4 billion for about 20% equity.
Key facts
- 01Apple extends free satellite SOS for iPhone 14-16 until Sep 9 Pacific Time; activation must be in supported countries.
- 02This is the third extension beyond the original two-year free period; Apple has not announced future pricing.
- 03On Apr 14, 2026, Amazon announced an $11.57 billion acquisition of Globalstar and an agreement to use Globalstar’s network to support satellite connectivity for iPhone and Apple Watch.
- 04Apple invested about $1.5 billion in Globalstar in Nov 2024, including $1.1 billion in cash and $0.4 billion for about 20% equity.
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