The new battle between Apple and Elon Musk

The iPhone maker and SpaceX are competing in a race to eliminate global internet "blind spots," a rivalry that is expected to intensify.

According to the WSJ , Apple is clashing with billionaire Elon Musk in an effort to eliminate "blind spots" in cellular connectivity using satellite technology.

Specifically, the iPhone manufacturer is investing heavily in satellite communication systems to maintain connectivity for users in areas where traditional wireless signals are unavailable. Meanwhile, Musk's SpaceX has launched more than 550 satellites providing mobile connectivity through its Starlink service.

To increase their influence, the two companies are competing for the right to use limited radio frequency bands for signal transmission.

Satellite Race

The Wall Street Journal, citing sources close to the matter, reported that Apple's investment in the space sector has displeased Musk. In response, SpaceX has pressured federal regulators to delay its efforts to expand the satellite fleet funded by Apple.

In 2024, Apple spent $1.5 billion to acquire a 20% stake in GlobalStar, a company that provides coverage in the US, Europe, Australia, and parts of South America for integrating satellite connectivity into iPhones.

The emergency messaging feature on the iPhone 14 could create a new trend in 2023. Photo: Apple.

Through this partnership, Apple's service allows users to send text messages, call for emergency assistance, and seek roadside help in areas without cellular coverage. Among smartphone manufacturers, Apple was the first to launch satellite messaging on the iPhone 14 series.

This appears to be the next step forward for the smartphone industry, utilizing satellites to support mobile networks and maintain communication.

Even though the vast majority of users will never encounter dangerous situations, this feature still acts as a safety net, allowing users to receive support if they wish to travel long distances .

Some iPhone 14 users are said to have been saved thanks to the emergency messaging feature. "This technology has helped save many lives. These satellite features are designed to complement carrier services, giving users more ways to stay connected," Apple stated.

However, the WSJ revealed documents showing that SpaceX had asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject Globalstar's application to use certain spectrum for its new Apple-funded satellite network.

Elon Musk's satellite company calls the radio waves they use to transmit emergency signals to Apple users an untapped resource.

Conquer space

In fact, SpaceX has been involved in this field since August 2022 through a partnership with T-Mobile on a plan to provide anytime, anywhere messaging services in remote areas.

The image illustrates Starlink satellites in orbit. Photo: University College of London.

Starlink is a global internet coverage project using satellites by SpaceX, the space exploration company founded by Elon Musk. This service creates a network of thousands of satellites orbiting Earth, providing high-speed internet from low Earth orbit to remote and isolated areas.

Since its initial launch in October 2020, Starlink reports that it now has 400,000 subscribers across 36 countries where it operates. Almost every major player in the transportation sector, such as luxury cruises and airlines, wants to partner with this internet service.

Citing internal sources, the WSJ reported that some Apple employees believed SpaceX's announcement of a deal with T-Mobile was planned to precede the soon-to-be-disclosed announcement that Apple would offer emergency messaging via satellite on some iPhone models.

This isn't the first time the world's richest man has clashed with the world's most valuable company. Musk's Tesla and Apple have long competed for talent to develop self-driving cars.

Additionally, the two sides have also had disagreements related to X (formerly Twitter). Sources close to the matter say Musk has sometimes considered building his own smartphone due to frustration with how Apple controls the distribution of third-party apps like X.

However, according to analysts, penetrating a market dominated by Apple and Samsung, which account for approximately 40% of the global smartphone market, will be very difficult.

Apple has previously used SpaceX rockets to launch satellites into space. Photo: SpaceX.

SpaceX, through its Starlink project, has access to a far greater number of satellites than Apple. This leads to the paradox that industry leaders believe Globalstar alone would not be able to meet the needs of the iPhone manufacturer.

To avoid dependence on competitors, Apple has held negotiations with various satellite providers over the years to secure additional spectrum. Most recently, the WSJ revealed that Apple has considered investing in Colorado-based satellite operator EchoStar to provide more satellites and spectrum to support iPhone connectivity.

According to leaders in the satellite industry, Apple's approach has its own advantages. With the potential partners Apple has approached, this is an opportunity to offset outdated infrastructure with regional and global spectrum rights that they have spent years trying to monetize.

Source: https://znews.vn/cuoc-chien-moi-giua-apple-va-elon-musk-post1542321.html