Apple Leads Global Market for Satellite-Connected Smartphones

[MacRumors]

Apple remains the top manufacturer of satellite-capable smartphones globally, with such devices projected to reach 46% of all smartphone shipments by 2030, according to a new report from Counterpoint Research.

The firm's Smartphone Satellite Connection Report finds that Apple kickstarted the satellite phone trend when it partnered with Globalstar to bring Emergency SOS via satellite to the iPhone 14 in 2022 and has maintained a clear lead since. Samsung leads the Android ecosystem, while Huawei and Google also follow a proprietary approach. Other Android players, including Xiaomi, OPPO, HONOR, and vivo, have aligned with the 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN) standard to enable broader scalability and interoperability.

The market is currently dominated by the premium segment, with the lack of compelling everyday use cases limiting broader adoption. 3GPP Release 17 supports only SOS messaging and basic location sharing. Release 18 is expected to expand adoption further across premium brands, but mass-market penetration in the mid-price segment is not anticipated until Release 19.

Qualcomm leads among Android vendors with its Snapdragon X80 and X85 modems, with MediaTek, Samsung, Google, and Huawei all increasing competition. North America is the leading region for adoption, driven by carrier partnerships including T-Mobile with SpaceX, AT&T with AST Mobile, and Rogers with SpaceX, alongside Apple's Globalstar arrangement. Amazon's acquisition of Globalstar is seen as a notable development, potentially opening new connectivity-as-a-service revenue streams.

Counterpoint expects Apple, Google, and Samsung to lead in overall market penetration toward 2030, with Android brands targeting entry-level and mid-range price points seeing slower uptake. Apple recently agreed a new satellite deal with Amazon following its acquisition of Globalstar, and has several new satellite features in development, including Maps via satellite, photos in Messages via satellite, and a satellite API for third-party apps.

Article Link: Apple Leads Global Market for Satellite-Connected Smartphones

 

[AusMness]

Well yeah, Apple was two or three generations ahead of everyone else in implementing it

 

[Spock]

The iPhone having satellite connectivity like this still amazes me. I remember a time when a satellite phone was tons of money to use.

 

[k1121j]

But others have implemented it better.... They pulled an Apple

 

[AppleMega]

So many jokes come to mind, but I will just say Android users are too uh... frugal to even expect this. Apple is all about added value, for a price or course.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

I can't wait for the days where satellite connectivity replaces traditional WIFI or internet services. Companies like Spectrum going out of business will be a benefit to everyone.

 

[JohnC1959]

I'm often in weak or no cell service so it's nice to know satellite is a backup of my car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Well yeah, Apple was two or three generations ahead of everyone else in implementing it

Doesn’t matter to the EU. As Apple has a monopoly over Apple using Apple’s devices for Apple’s Satellite service, they will be forced to open it up to competitors, probably. 🙂

 

[Arsenikdote]

🤔 "market" ?? Isn't it free? A feature? How do you have "market penetration" or even a plain 'ol Market when it is something that is not charged for? Aren't those normally called features? While I know one may say but they only say it is "free for now" this has been true since 2022. At this point if Apple starts charging, especially with how much they have touted it as a life saving feature, I do feel like the negative feedback and press would be quite substantial. I know they say "no such thing as bad press" buuuuuut, putting a life saving feature behind a paywall and getting called on it might just break that rule!

 

[JohnC1959]

🤔 "market" ?? Isn't it free? A feature? How do you have "market penetration" or even a plain 'ol Market when it is something that is not charged for? Aren't those normally called features? While I know one may say but they only say it is "free for now" this has been true since 2022. At this point if Apple starts charging, especially with how much they have touted it as a life saving feature, I do feel like the negative feedback and press would be quite substantial. I know they say "no such thing as bad press" buuuuuut, putting a life saving feature behind a paywall and getting called on it might just break that rule!

They definitely have a share of a market. You can look at it from a few perspectives. First off they take share from other phone makers by being able to claim this feature. This alone is a share as they get money from some that might otherwise go to the competition if more of the competition had this feature. Then, as you point out, they could start charging. They might keep 911 free but charge for other non-emergency uses in the future and they have a foothold in the market to capitalize on that.

 

[CKoala]

It gives me peace of mind having satellite on long road trips, especially since the 2G and 3G networks were shut down in Australia. Plus car crash detection is an extra bonus 😍

Please bring iMessage Satellite feature to Australia!! 🙏

I’d love to see all phones support satellite by default, especially in Australia without being forced to pay $70 a month with Telstra for Samsung and Google devices.

Which is why I’m currently using an iPhone, so thank you Apple. ❤️

I had a crazy idea what if Apple had a way to communicate with others who are with you while hiking. You both connect via Bluetooth and can communicate like a walkie talkie or be able to communicate using walkie talkie channels.

 

[JohnC1959]

It gives me peace of mind having satellite on long road trips, especially since the 2G and 3G networks were shut down in Australia. Plus car crash detection is an extra bonus 😍

Please bring iMessage Satellite feature to Australia!! 🙏

I’d love to see all phones support satellite by default, especially in Australia without being forced to pay $70 a month with Telstra for Samsung and Google devices.

Which is why I’m currently using an iPhone, so thank you Apple. ❤️

I had a crazy idea what if Apple had a way to communicate with others who are with you while hiking. You both connect via Bluetooth and can communicate like a walkie talkie or be able to communicate using walkie talkie channels.

Maybe via satellite but not bluetooth. If you're close enough for bluetooth then you can just shout (or just talk a bit louder) to each other.

 

[philstubbington]

The iPhone having satellite connectivity like this still amazes me. I remember a time when a satellite phone was tons of money to use.

Even more astonishing is satellite connectivity on planes. Often faster than your home WiFi connection. It’s free too.

I suspect satellite phones will replace existing communication methods.

 

[Reason077]

Well yeah, Apple was two or three generations ahead of everyone else in implementing it

The SpaceX satellite service works with any modern smartphone over standard 4G, with a few software tweaks. Its more up to your carrier to implement it than the phone manufacturers.

 

[svish]

Good to know but availability is extremely limited. Don’t know when the whole world will have access to it.

 

[Arsenikdote]

They definitely have a share of a market. You can look at it from a few perspectives. First off they take share from other phone makers by being able to claim this feature. This alone is a share as they get money from some that might otherwise go to the competition if more of the competition had this feature. Then, as you point out, they could start charging. They might keep 911 free but charge for other non-emergency uses in the future and they have a foothold in the market to capitalize on that.

I agree that in the future there could be a market, but calling something a market when it is not being monetized seems strange, right? Also, the idea that they are getting money instead of the competition is the smartphone market share, in which, this feature might be a deciding factor. But just because it sways the smartphone purchase doesn't make it a market. Also, since this supposed market might never come into existence or ever generate revenue, it's all hypothetical, it also seems strange to call it that. But I guess in a day-and-age in which subscriptions are EVERYTHING, a exciting cool thing is to focus on "market" 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[Ct applefan]

So many jokes come to mind, but I will just say Android users are too uh... frugal to even expect this. Apple is all about added value, for a price or course.

Apple is all about ads now.

 

[philstubbington]

I agree that in the future there could be a market, but calling something a market when it is not being monetized seems strange, right? Also, the idea that they are getting money instead of the competition is the smartphone market share, in which, this feature might be a deciding factor. But just because it sways the smartphone purchase doesn't make it a market. Also, since this supposed market might never come into existence or ever generate revenue, it's all hypothetical, it also seems strange to call it that. But I guess in a day-and-age in which subscriptions are EVERYTHING, a exciting cool thing is to focus on "market" 🤷🏻‍♂️

If you look at the airlines they’re having to agree to install the equipment for satellite internet connectivity without charging customers for it.

The equipment is smaller than the existing equipment so that’s a benefit for them and I do wonder if inflight entertainment is coming over WiFi too? Although I’ve worked with airlines I’m not sure what they did before 🤔

Monetisation will be through advertising, driving loyalty, etc.

 

[Arsenikdote]

If you look at the airlines they’re having to agree to install the equipment for satellite internet connectivity without charging customers for it.

The equipment is smaller than the existing equipment so that’s a benefit for them and I do wonder if inflight entertainment is coming over WiFi too? Although I’ve worked with airlines I’m not sure what they did before 🤔

Monetisation will be through advertising, driving loyalty, etc.

Full blown satellite connectivity with no restrictions, as a market, makes more sense. But comparing what Apple is doing now to this and calling it a market doesn't make sense because they won't be the provider. They already had a chance to purchase Globalstar and BE a provider and they chose not to. To me then they will only provide features that sit on top of the bigger service. Maybe that turns into a market, maybe it doesn't. I can see the providers monetizing with advertising, but Apple isn't going to advertise in the iMessage app so you can send a text via satellite.