Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Fund will invest $450 million to support emergency SOS messages via satellite for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.
The service will roll out in US and Canada later this month, enabling emergency services for iPhone users outside Wi-Fi or cellular coverage.
Most of the funding will go to a global satellite service Globalstar to enhance its satellite network and ground stations.
"Emergency SOS via satellite is a perfect example of how American ingenuity and technology can save lives," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer.
This September, Apple unveiled the iPhone 14 with satellite connectivity, capable of sending a call for help via satellite during an emergency. Globalstar then said in a filing that it would be the satellite operator for Apple's emergency SOS service.
When an iPhone user calls the emergency services, the message is received by one of Globalstar's 24 satellites, sent down to custom ground stations, and routed to emergency services that can dispatch help.
"With Apple's infrastructure investment, we've grown our teams in California and elsewhere to construct, expand, and upgrade our ground stations," Jay Monroe, Globalstar's executive chairman, said.
At Globalstar, more than 300 employees support the new service.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked