Greetings,

A few years ago, Elon Musk pitched Apple unsuccessfully on the idea of his company, SpaceX, providing satellite connectivity to iPhones. But now, tantalizing hints suggest such a deal could be back on the table. Aaron Tilley and Wayne Ma report that a significant alignment is underway, one that could greatly expand the reach of Starlink's services and fundamentally change the iPhone's satellite features. This move would cement Starlink's dominance in a market that is becoming increasingly difficult for a company like Apple to maneuver around.

Why it caught my eye:

• SpaceX Alignment: SpaceX has tweaked its new satellite design to support the same radio spectrum Apple uses for the iPhone's current satellite features.
• Globalstar on the Block: Globalstar's chair discussed selling the company for over $10 billion, signaling the current Apple partner may seek independence.
• 5G Satellite Plans: Apple plans to add 5G satellite support for upcoming iPhones as early as next year, which would enable full internet access over satellite.

The future of connectivity on the iPhone is tied to how this complicated relationship plays out. Read the full story now.

Best,

Jessica Lessin
Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Could Apple and Musk's SpaceX Finally Do a Satellite Deal?

A few years ago, Elon Musk pitched Apple unsuccessfully on the idea of his company, SpaceX, providing satellite connectivity to iPhones. There are tantalizing hints that such a deal could be back on the table.

In recent months, in anticipation of a possible future arrangement with Apple, SpaceX has added support in its new satellite designs for the same radio spectrum Apple uses for the iPhone's current satellite features, which Globalstar provides, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. That could allow SpaceX's Starlink unit to deliver satellite communications capabilities to existing Apple devices when Starlink's next-generation satellite constellation begins operating in the coming years.

At the same time, the chair of Globalstar, James Monroe, has talked to associates about the possibility of selling his satellite company for more than $10 billion, said people who heard him make the remarks (Globalstar's current market capitalization is $5.3 billion). Such a deal could signal that Globalstar and Apple are seeking more independence from each other.

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