Apple's satellite plans could be stalled by Elon Musk's Starlink

Apple's ambitions for the expansion of satellite communications for the iPhone is facing an opponent in Elon Musk, with SpaceX reportedly trying to put a hold on the efforts.

The iPhone has benefited from a number of satellite features in recent years, with Emergency SOS via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite assisting users in trouble. However, progression to make the features even more useful with expanded coverage has hit a large roadblock.

Apple works primarily with Globalstar to power its satellite features, though it is working with SpaceX's Starlink service with T-Mobile to expand its coverage in the summer. The problem is that Elon Musk isn't happy about Apple's investments with Globalstar and in satellite communications, since it directly competes with Starlink.

According to sources of the Wall Street Journal, Musk's SpaceX has urged federal regulators to try and slow down or stop Apple's satellite expansion.

Spectrum shortage

One of the main reasons for SpaceX to impede Apple's expansion is due to spectrum rights, which is used to handle communications between satellites and basestations on Earth.

The problem is that there's only so much spectrum to go around, and that is divided up into licensable bands. Satellite operators handling communications have a vested interest to secure as many of those bands as possible.

With competition from Globalstar and whomever Apple could work within the future, SpaceX will find it harder to secure additional spectrum, and therefore bandwidth. Add in that increased competition can also affect how much the spectrum rights can cost, it becomes a more expensive proposition for Musk's SpaceX.

SpaceX has asked the Federal Communications Commission to dismiss an application from Globalstar to use some bands of spectrum for a new network of Apple-financed satellites. Apple reportedly invested over $1 billion into Globalstar in 2024 to help build out its satellite network.

It doesn't help SpaceX that Apple's investments are likely to go beyond working with Globalstar, due to a lack of capacity. Sources say Apple has previously talked with EchoStar for the usage of more satellites and spectrum, and even worked with Boeing on a failed satellite plan.

Talks have happened

The two companies have discussed working together in the past, but through gritted teeth.

When Apple, SpaceX, and T-Mobile were in talks over the T-Mobile expansion, the companies did eventually reach an agreement. However, this was apparently through "tense discussions."

Executives from both Apple and SpaceX have also talked to each other about connecting iPhones to SpaceX satellites, but a deal has not been agreed upon at all.

While the two companies are somewhat frosty with each other, there is still enough in the way of cordial relations for some progress to be made. Globalstar has hired SpaceX to launch its Apple-funded satellites.