Amazon announced on April 14, 2026 that it will acquire Globalstar in a deal valued at roughly $11.57 billion, a move that will expand the Amazon Leo low‑earth‑orbit satellite network and give the company direct control over the service that currently powers Apple's emergency‑SOS feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

What the acquisition means for the Apple Watch

Apple's upcoming Series 12 watch and the next generation of watchOS, version 27, are expected to add new satellite capabilities. The new models will likely inherit the emergency‑SOS, Find My, and Messages over satellite functions that were introduced with the Ultra 3, and they may also gain access to Apple Maps and photo sharing via satellite, as rumored for watchOS 27.

The Amazon‑Globalstar deal gives Amazon the ability to provide satellite connectivity directly to Apple devices, rather than routing through a third‑party provider. Under the terms of the merger, Globalstar shareholders can choose cash of $90.00 per share or 0.3210 shares of Amazon common stock, with cash elections subject to proration if more than 40 percent of shares opt for cash. The transaction is slated to close in 2027, pending regulatory approval and the achievement of specific satellite‑replacement milestones.

Why it matters to consumers

For users, the expanded Leo network promises more reliable coverage in remote areas and potentially lower latency for satellite messages. Apple's partnership with Amazon to use the Leo system for iPhone and Apple Watch features means that future devices, including the Series 12, could offer broader global reach without relying on cellular service.

Amazon has also outlined a roadmap that includes a next‑generation direct‑to‑device satellite system beginning in 2028. The full Leo constellation, once operational, is expected to consist of thousands of satellites capable of supporting hundreds of millions of endpoints, which could make satellite connectivity a standard feature rather than an exception.

What to watch for

Key dates to keep on the calendar:

• June 8, 2026: Apple's WWDC keynote will unveil watchOS 27.
• September 2026: Expected retail launch of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
• 2027: Anticipated close of the Amazon‑Globalstar merger, subject to approval.
• 2028: Planned rollout of the next‑generation Leo satellite system.

Consumers should monitor the official Apple announcement at WWDC for confirmation of the satellite features and any changes to pricing or subscription models. The merger also includes a clause that could reduce the total purchase price by up to $110 million if Globalstar fails to meet certain operational milestones, a factor that could influence the timeline for network expansion.

Overall, the combination of Apple's hardware roadmap and Amazon's satellite ambitions signals a shift toward more integrated, always‑on connectivity for wearable devices, offering users greater peace of mind when they are off the grid.

For the full details of the acquisition, see the Amazon press release. Additional information on shareholder election options is available from Globalstar's investor relations documentation.