Globalstar runs the satellite network behind iPhone Emergency SOS — ~24 satellites at about 1,414 km, heavily funded by Apple and, as of April 2026, being acquired by Amazon. OrbitalNodes tracks every Globalstar satellite in real time.
OrbitalNodes' counter shows how many Globalstar satellites are above your horizon right now. These are the spacecraft your iPhone reaches for when it shows “Emergency SOS via satellite” off-grid.
Globalstar has been flying low-Earth-orbit satellite-phone and IoT services since the late 1990s, a quieter contemporary of Iridium. Its constellation of around two dozen satellites at roughly 1,414 km uses a simple “bent-pipe” design — satellites relay signals straight to ground stations rather than routing through space — which keeps the spacecraft cheap but means coverage depends on a gateway being in range.
The company's fortunes changed in 2022, when Apple chose Globalstar's network and spectrum to power Emergency SOS via satellite on the iPhone 14. Apple committed major funding — ultimately around $1.1 billion plus a 20% equity stake — and Globalstar now reserves roughly 85% of its network capacity for Apple's services. That deal funded a next-generation fleet, the C-3 system: about 48 higher-power satellites (plus spares) built by MDA Space and Rocket Lab, launching on SpaceX into the same ~1,414 km, 52° orbit.
In April 2026 the story took another turn: Amazon agreed to acquire Globalstar, folding it into the Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) ecosystem while continuing to support Apple's Emergency SOS on existing and upcoming satellites. For skywatchers, Globalstar's satellites are modest and mid-latitude-focused — but they're among the most consequential small satellites in orbit, because for millions of iPhone users they are the difference between “no service” and a message to rescuers.
Globalstar is one of the most consequential small constellations in orbit: for millions of iPhone users off-grid, these ~24 satellites are the link to emergency services. The Apple funding and the 2026 Amazon acquisition are reshaping who owns direct-to-device connectivity from space.
Yes. Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite — plus Messages via satellite, Find My location sharing and Roadside Assistance — on iPhone 14 and later (and the Apple Watch Ultra 3) runs on Globalstar’s satellites and spectrum. Apple funded major upgrades to Globalstar’s network and reserves roughly 85% of its capacity for these services.
For now, effectively yes — but it’s unsettled. Apple gave iPhone 14-and-later buyers a free period (initially two years from activation, since extended), and has repeatedly pushed the date back rather than start charging. Apple has not announced any subscription price for after the free period, so long-term pricing is still undecided — and Amazon’s acquisition may shape what happens next.
iPhone 14 and every later model, plus the Apple Watch Ultra 3, support Apple’s satellite features in supported countries. Coverage has expanded well beyond the original US and Canada launch. The feature works outside cellular and Wi-Fi range by connecting your device directly to a Globalstar satellite passing overhead.
In April 2026 Amazon agreed to acquire Globalstar in a deal valued at roughly $11.5 billion, folding it into the Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) network. Apple already held about a 20% stake. Amazon said it will keep supporting Apple’s Emergency SOS on iPhone and Apple Watch using Globalstar’s existing and upcoming satellites.
Globalstar’s operational first-generation fleet is around two dozen satellites at ~1,414 km, with a higher-power next generation (the C-3 system, about 48 satellites plus spares) being deployed. They’re modest in brightness and their 52° orbit favours low and mid latitudes. OrbitalNodes’ live counter shows how many are above your horizon right now.