Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Five killed in the Israeli bombing of a civilian vehicle on Al-Qassam Street in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip
Hamas confirms that it has no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah and affirms its commitment to the ceasefire agreement
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Two civilians were killed and four others, including a child and an infant, were injured in an Israeli bombing of a house belonging to the Al-Banna family in the al-Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli airstrike targets the vicinity of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City
Al-Qassam: We will postpone the handover of the body of the Israeli captive we found, which was scheduled for today, due to the occupation's violations
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza: Israeli occupation aircraft launch airstrikes on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip
Netanyahu's office: At the end of the security consultations, the prime minister instructed the military to launch massive military strikes on the Gaza Strip immediately
President Aoun: We urge the activation of the monitoring committee, the cessation of hostilities, ongoing Israeli violations, attacks
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to US Envoy Morgan Ortagus: Southerners must be enabled to return to their homes and rebuild
Syrian sources: The Israeli occupation has begun withdrawing from the areas it infiltrated last night in the Quneitra countryside.

Space rivalry: Apple, Musk's SpaceX clash over satellite connectivity

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News Websites
  • 31 Mar 2025 16:10
  • 3 Shares
3 Min Read

Apple and Elon Musk's SpaceX both have much to gain from satellite connectivity, putting them in one of the most intense space tech rivalries.

Listen
  • x
  • Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition March 9, 2020, in Washington. On Tuesday, May 10, 2022. (AP)
    Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition on March 9, 2020, in Washington. On Tuesday, May 10, 2022 (AP)

Apple and Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, are at odds over satellite technology as both companies vie to eliminate cellphone dead zones.

Apple has been investing heavily in satellite-based communications to keep users connected where traditional networks fail. Meanwhile, Musk’s SpaceX has launched over 550 satellites to support cellphone service through its Starlink network.

The competition has escalated over spectrum rights—limited airwaves essential for signal transmission. According to sources, SpaceX has urged federal regulators to delay Apple’s satellite expansion efforts, reflecting Musk’s frustration with Apple’s growing involvement in outer-space connectivity.

Tensions heightened in recent months when SpaceX and its partner, T-Mobile, sought Apple’s cooperation to integrate Starlink with iPhones. After intense discussions, the companies reached an agreement allowing the Starlink-T-Mobile satellite service, launching this summer, to function seamlessly on newer iPhones. However, Apple retains control over its closed software ecosystem.

The rivalry sets Musk—one of the world’s richest individuals—against Apple, one of the most valuable companies. Both have much to gain from expanded satellite connectivity, which could drive iPhone sales or boost Starlink adoption. Yet, despite their competition, they also rely on each other.

Globalstar, Apple’s satellite partner, has contracted SpaceX to launch satellites for its iPhone connectivity, while SpaceX and T-Mobile need Apple’s support to ensure smooth Starlink integration with iPhones.

It is worth noting that SpaceX’s Starlink network far outpaces Apple in satellite capacity, raising concerns that Globalstar alone may not be enough to meet Apple’s growing connectivity demands.

Related News

Donroe Doctrine: Trump’s neocolonial drive in Latin America

Aoun, Arab League SG meet, discuss 'Israel' and regional tensions

To expand its satellite reach, Apple has held discussions with other providers over the years, sources said. The tech giant even explored potential investments in Colorado-based EchoStar to secure additional satellites and spectrum for iPhone connectivity, according to people familiar with the talks.

While Apple and SpaceX executives have explored direct iPhone-Starlink integration, no deal has been finalized.

Apple’s satellite investment faces pushback from SpaceX

Apple’s $1 billion investment in satellite operator Globalstar is facing resistance from Elon Musk’s SpaceX as the companies compete for dominance in space-based communications.

Apple’s satellite service, powered by Globalstar, enables iPhone users to send texts, call emergency services, and request roadside assistance in areas without traditional cellphone coverage. The tech giant is now funding the development of a new satellite fleet to enhance these capabilities.

“This technology has already helped save lives,” Apple stated. “These satellite features are designed to complement carrier offerings, giving users even more ways to stay connected.”

However, SpaceX has pushed back against Apple’s expansion efforts. According to regulatory filings, the company urged the Federal Communications Commission to reject a Globalstar request for spectrum access, arguing that the airwaves used for Apple’s emergency services are underutilized.

Adrian Perica, Apple’s vice president of corporate development, has been central in managing discussions with SpaceX as the companies navigate their growing rivalry, sources familiar with the talks said.

Read more: SpaceX secretly building spy satellite network for US intelligence

  • United States
  • Satellite technology
  • Space X
  • Apple
  • Elon Musk
  • Satellite

Most Read

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Arab League chief exposes secret US deal shielding 'Israel’s' nukes

Arab League chief exposes secret US deal shielding 'Israel’s' nukes

  • Politics
  • 27 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Delta Air Lines flight lands at Harry Reid International Airport, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Las Vegas (AP)
Politics

Nearly 3,800 US flights disrupted amid ongoing government shutdown

FILE - The Amazon logo is pictured at the Amazon Robotic Sorting Fulfillment Center in Madison County, Miss., Aug. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
Economy

Amazon to cut 30,000 jobs in largest layoff in company history

Eurofighter Typhoon Spain's Air Force fighter jets fly above the military parade marking 'Día de la Hispanidad', or Hispanic Day, in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (AP)
Politics

UK sells 20 Eurofighter jets to Türkiye in £8bln defense agreement

Smoke billows after drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the northern port in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, Sudan, May 6, 2025 (AP)
Politics

RSF tighten El Fasher siege as Sudan risks fragmentation: Reuters

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS