Amazon has announced the acquisition of Globalstar, the firm responsible for enabling satellite connectivity features on Apple devices like iPhones and Apple Watches.

Globalstar operates a Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation that allows Apple devices to connect when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, with Apple currently using a significant portion of its network capacity.

With this acquisition, Amazon plans to integrate Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure into its own LEO network, known as Amazon Leo, in order to expand direct-to-device communication services. This move will help mobile network operators extend voice, text, and data services to areas beyond traditional network coverage, with Amazon offering this capability as a paid service.

Amazon has also confirmed an agreement with Apple to ensure continuity, meaning existing satellite features on iPhones and Apple Watches will remain unaffected. With the combined capabilities of Globalstar and Amazon’s satellite network, future improvements to satellite connectivity on Apple devices are also expected.