With the iPhone 14 series, Apple gained support for emergency SOS notifications via satellite connection. In regions where cellular data is not available, users can connect to the satellite and report their location to the emergency services. In a new report, it was stated that SpaceX is ready to send new satellites for Apple into space.
SpaceX sends new satellites for iPhone SOS link
A new filing seen in the US revealed the partnership between Apple’s satellite partner Globalstar and SpaceX. It has been reported that Globalstar wants to expand the emergency SOS feature via satellite on iPhone 14 models. Accordingly, it will pay $64 million to SpaceX for new satellites.
Globalstar allocated 85 percent of its network capacity to Apple, providing the company with a wide network. The $64 million payment to SpaceX will be made between 2023 and 2025 as the satellites are launched, further expanding the network.
Apple first unveiled its emergency SOS feature last year, which allows iPhone 14 models to communicate with emergency services when out of WiFi or cellular data range. The feature is currently available in the US, Canada, parts of Europe, and Australia.
Globalstar previously spent $327 million on satellite equipment and took a $252 million loan from Apple. Support for SOS via satellite is currently free. However, as the satellite network expands and opens to more users, Apple is expected to charge users for a service fee.
On the other hand, let us remind you that Google is working on a similar feature for Android. It turned out that Google even agreed with Garmin. This partnership shows that satellite link support with Google Messages could be rolled out in more than 150 countries.
So, what do you guys think about the SpaceX iPhone satellite launch? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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