Amazon to Acquire Apple’s 20% Stake in Globalstar as Part of $11.6 Billion Satellite Deal

Quick Facts

• Amazon will acquire Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar as part of its $11.6 billion purchase of the satellite company
• The deal positions Amazon Leo to compete directly with SpaceX Starlink in direct-to-device satellite communications
• Apple will continue partnering with Amazon Leo for iPhone and Apple Watch satellite services including Emergency SOS

Amazon will acquire Apple’s 20% stake in satellite firm Globalstar following the e-commerce giant’s announcement of an $11.6 billion deal to purchase the entire company. The transaction creates a new competitive dynamic in the satellite communications market.

Amazon announced the Globalstar acquisition on April 14, 2026. The deal is expected to close in 2027 pending regulatory approval. Globalstar stockholders will receive either $90 in cash or 0.3210 shares of Amazon common stock per share owned.

Apple invested $450 million in Globalstar in 2022 to fund satellite infrastructure for Emergency SOS features. In 2024, Apple committed approximately $1.5 billion through prepayments and its 20% equity stake in exchange for most of Globalstar’s network capacity.

The acquisition enables Amazon Leo to add direct-to-device services to its low Earth orbit satellite network. Amazon Leo operates 3,236 satellites across three orbital shells between 590 km and 630 km altitude.

“By combining Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’s customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places,” said Panos Panay, Amazon’s senior vice president of devices and services.

Despite the ownership change, Apple will maintain its satellite partnership with the combined entity. Amazon Leo will power satellite features on future iPhone and Apple Watch models, including Emergency SOS, messaging, Find My location sharing, and roadside assistance.

Globalstar CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs called the merger “a significant milestone” that validates the company’s 30-year strategy. Globalstar reported first quarter 2026 revenue of $70.1 million, up 17% year over year.

The transaction sets up direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink service, which partners with T-Mobile and AT&T for cellular connectivity. Amazon said its Leo D2D system will offer “substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems.”

Amazon plans to deploy its next-generation direct-to-device satellite system beginning in 2028, enabling advanced voice, data, and messaging services to mobile phones and cellular devices beyond terrestrial network coverage.

Read more: Amazon will acquire Apple’s 20% stake in satellite firm Globalstar