According to reports, Apple is considering the creation of its own Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network in competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper and others.
Reported by CommsDay [subscription required], Apple is seeking to boost its satellite to iPhone services – a key selling point with the most recent iPhones. It’s also expected that Apple will be adding satellite comms to the next iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra which is expected later this year.
Independent Satellite & Telecoms Consultant, Christian von der Ropp, wrote that when Apple decided to add satellite comms to the iPhone 14 in 2022:
Apple didn’t just dabble; they went all-in, securing exclusive access to Globalstar’s LEO constellation and effectively taking control through a massive investment in new satellites and a deal that locks in 85% of the constellation’s capacity.
That initial investment was valued at USD$450M.
But things have since moved on with von der Ropp finding a French filing with the International Telecommunications Union. Von der ramp says (I’m trusting him as my French is not that good) the filing refers to a constellation of almost 9000 LEO satellites. While Airbus Defence and Space filed the application it has since been transferred to Apple’s director of corporate law through a company he manages.
What does Apple’s move to LEO satellites mean?
Apple clearly sees LEO networks as crucial to providing its customers with communications in areas where cellular coverage or Wi-Fi can’t reach. As someone who enjoys hiking and trail running, sometimes in remote locations, this gives great peace of mind should I need assistance.
But as the network extends and gains greater capacity, Apple might see an independent network as a strategy to further divest itself of having to meet the demands of traditional carriers. It may also mean Apple can, to some degree, ignore jurisdictional limits on what services it might offer.
For example, it already has to limit how it offers Apple Intelligence in China which has limited sales of the iPhone 16. Building its own communications infrastructure gives it greater freedom and flexibility to offer services.
Apple has always wanted to control the entire supply chain so it could dictate the form and function of what it gives customers. Establishing a new carrier in every country it operates in is impractical. But owning or controlling a LEO constellation gives it a network it can control. And that fits right in with how Apple works.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.