Elon Musk’s SpaceX is all set to join forces with Apple’s satellite partner, Globalstar. This collaboration targets to bolster communication networks, ensuring that Apple users have access to critical emergency services even in remote areas.

In a very significant development, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is joining forces with Apple’s satellite partner Globalstar to enhance the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones. This collaboration aims to bolster communication networks, ensuring that Apple users have access to critical emergency services even if they are stranded in any remote areas and don’t have access to cellular network.

What is Apple’s Emergency SOS feature?

Apple launched the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro series with Emergency SOS via satellite feature. It empowers users to connect with emergency services under “extraordinary circumstances”, such as, complete lack of cellular coverage. An iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro user can send an SOS message using a satellite connection. In perfect conditions with a direct view of the sky and the horizon, a message might take just 15 seconds to send, and just over a minute to send under trees with light or medium foliage. iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series are also expected to come with the feature.

Globalstar and SpaceX are not collaborating for the first time

SpaceX has already helped Globalstar launch a satellite last year from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This time around Globalstar is collaborating with SpaceX as a partner of SpaceX.

So, what’s the role of Apple in the deal?

Apple is reimbursing Globalstar for 95% of the capital expenditures related to the satellites, says a report. This is inclusive of the launch costs. As per reports, Apple also readily agreed to provide $252 million in funding for the upfront costs associated with upcoming launch and enhancing Globalstar’s ground station network. Apple, In return will get to use 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity to provide SOS Emergency service, which is available in the US, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Portugal.

Conclusion

As Apple and SpaceX embark together on this ground-breaking venture, iPhone users across the world can anticipate greater safety and accessibility during emergencies, reaffirming the companies’ commitment to technological innovation and user welfare. Apple is not ready to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that their SOS emergency service is reliable. For this they first collaborated with Globalstar and is now collaborating with SpaceX.