Apple is close to a space deal with SpaceX!

Apple first introduced satellite communication service in the series IPhone 14 Unveiled in 2022, it has gradually expanded to include more countries and users. However, the company's ambitions in this field were much greater than they have reached today, and these plans have encountered obstacles related to Apple's relationships with telecom companies, government agencies, and even Elon Musk himself. After years of ignoring Elon Musk's Starlink service, there are indications that Apple may have to work with the world's richest man if it wants to achieve its satellite communications ambitions.

old ambition

Sources indicate that since 2015, Apple had early discussions with Boeing to launch an ambitious project to provide integrated satellite internet, beyond the current limitations of emergency services. According to five sources involved in or familiar with these plans, the project was codenamed “Project Eagle” and aimed to launch thousands of Boeing-developed satellites to beam internet directly to iPhones, along with smart home antennas that could be installed on windows to easily distribute internet inside homes. Despite the attractiveness of the idea, Apple ultimately decided to back down from the project after the CEO expressed Tim Cook He expressed his concerns that this move could strain relations with telecom companies, which represent one of Apple's most important business partners around the world.

Elon Musk and Tim Cook

Nearly three years ago, Musk offered Apple an exclusive 18-month agreement to use its Starlink network to provide satellite connectivity for iPhones, in exchange for $5 billion. After the agreement expired, the company was supposed to pay $1 billion annually to continue the service. When Tim Cook declined, Musk threatened to launch a similar, independent service if Apple did not agree within 72 hours. However, the company rejected the offer, seeking to preserve its independence and existing partnerships with Globalstar. Musk followed through on his threat. Just two weeks before the iPhone 14 was unveiled, SpaceX announced a partnership with T-Mobile to provide satellite texting in areas lacking traditional network coverage. Many viewed this move as a direct response to Apple's rejection of his own offer.

 potential partnership

As of now, there is no official partnership between Apple andSpaceX Apple is reportedly considering partnering with Elon Musk and his company to offer Starlink internet on iPhones. However, according to a recent report, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may receive some changes, including expanded satellite connectivity. Therefore, Apple may be seriously considering partnering with Elon Musk and his company to offer satellite connectivity on future iPhones.

Why might Apple consider relying on Starlink?

• The Starlink network includes a massive number of satellites, giving it extensive coverage and the momentum to enhance its ability to provide satellite communications services to users in a way that may surpass what is currently available through Apple's partner, Globalstar. Furthermore, there is pressure from Starlink itself at the regulatory level to marginalize or slow Globalstar's expansion within the same frequency space. This, in turn, may prompt Apple to seriously consider switching to a better and stronger partner. Reports have indicated that Globalstar's CEO is interested in selling the company.
• However, the most important factor is that the next generation of Starlink satellites will be equipped with dedicated support for the same radio frequency spectrum currently used by Apple. This compatibility will make the transition to Starlink simple in the coming years.
• Moreover, it's not just technical superiority that matters; it extends to market dominance. Thanks to its continuous launch of a massive number of low-cost satellites, Starlink has succeeded in dominating Earth's orbit, with its satellites constituting approximately 60% of the active satellites in orbit. This dominance, further strengthened by SpaceX's acquisition of more wireless spectrum, makes it difficult for any technology company, including Apple, to ignore.

Finally, despite the volatile history of the relationship between Elon Musk and Tim Cook, which has included disagreements over App Store fees and threats to create a competing phone, interests may prevail. If Starlink becomes the only provider capable of meeting Apple's satellite communications ambitions, Apple will likely have to deal with a narcissistic billionaire who believes he is better than Tim Cook and Apple itself.

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