With the iPhone 14 series, Apple has added support for emergency SOS notification via satellite connection. In areas where cellular data is not available, users can connect to the satellite to notify emergency services of their location. A new report says SpaceX is ready to send new satellites into space for Apple.
SpaceX will send new satellites for iPhone SOS connectivity
A new US filing has revealed a partnership between Apple’s satellite partner Globalstar and SpaceX. Globalstar reportedly wants to expand the emergency SOS via satellite feature on iPhone 14 models. Accordingly, it will pay SpaceX 64 million dollars 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.
Last year, Apple first unveiled emergency SOS via satellite, which allows iPhone 14 models to contact emergency services when outside WiFi or cellular data areas. The feature is currently available in the US, Canada, parts of Europe and Australia.
Globalstar has previously spent $327 million on satellite equipment and received a $252 million loan from Apple. SOS support via satellite is currently free. However, as the satellite network expands and becomes available to more users, Apple is expected to charge users for the service.
On the other hand, Google is also working on a similar feature for Android. In fact, it was revealed that Google made an agreement with Garmin. This partnership shows that satellite connection support with Google Messages could be available in more than 150 countries.
Well, what do you think about the SpaceX iPhone satellite launch? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section.
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