Apple is pouring massive investments into satellite communications, engaging in a battle of nerves with Elon Musk.
On the 30th (local time), according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), SpaceX, the space company led by Musk, reportedly pressured U.S. authorities to block the expansion of satellite communication services funded by Apple. This is related to the recent request by Globalstar, a U.S. satellite communication operator invested in by Apple, to be authorized to use a specific frequency range for its new satellite network. SpaceX has asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject this request.
Earlier, Apple invested more than $1 billion (1.4743 trillion KRW) in Globalstar last year. Since 2022, Apple has partnered with Globalstar to allow iPhone users to send emergency messages even in remote areas where iPhone signals do not reach.
The conflict between the two sides began as they competed over frequency ranges. SpaceX, a leader in low Earth orbit satellite communications, has launched more than 550 satellites connecting mobile phones through its Starlink service. In particular, tensions reportedly escalated during discussions between SpaceX and its partner T-Mobile with Apple to provide Starlink services on the iPhone. Although an agreement was reached to allow new iPhone users to access the satellite mobile phone service from SpaceX and T-Mobile launching this summer, sharp debates took place during the process. SpaceX did not respond to questions related to this matter.
This is not the first clash between Apple and Musk. Apple has also competed with the electric vehicle company Tesla over talent for developing autonomous self-driving cars. They have also had disputes over Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and it is reported that Musk, dissatisfied with Apple’s App Store control methods, even considered making his own smartphone.
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