Apple Turned Down Musk's $5B Starlink Deal — Now the Consequences Are Mounting [Report]

A new report from The Information today details a previously undisclosed 2022 offer from Elon Musk to Apple regarding satellite connectivity for iPhones, and sheds more light on Apple's long and sometimes fraught history with satellite ambitions. The report highlights the complex relationship between the two tech giants as they navigate the emerging field of satellite-to-phone services.According to two people with direct knowledge, Musk allegedly approached Apple just before the iPhone 14's announcement of Emergency SOS via Satellite with Globalstar. He proposed that Apple use SpaceX's Starlink service instead, offering an 18-month exclusive deal for a $5 billion upfront payment from Apple, which would then be followed by $1 billion per year. Musk reportedly gave Apple a 72-hour deadline and threatened to launch a competing feature if Apple declined. Apple ultimately rejected the offer. SpaceX subsequently announced a partnership with T-Mobile for satellite texting capabilities. The Information notes this failed deal added to existing tensions in Apple's relationship with Musk, who has since publicly criticized Apple on issues like App Store fees. SpaceX did not respond to The Information's request for comment.Continue ReadingShare Article:Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, EmailFollow iClarified:Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Newsletter, App Store, YouTube

May 28, 2025 - 01:10

Apple Turned Down Musk's $5B Starlink Deal — Now the Consequences Are Mounting [Report]

A new report from The Information today details a previously undisclosed 2022 offer from Elon Musk to Apple regarding satellite connectivity for iPhones, and sheds more light on Apple's long and sometimes fraught history with satellite ambitions. The report highlights the complex relationship between the two tech giants as they navigate the emerging field of satellite-to-phone services.

According to two people with direct knowledge, Musk allegedly approached Apple just before the iPhone 14's announcement of Emergency SOS via Satellite with Globalstar. He proposed that Apple use SpaceX's Starlink service instead, offering an 18-month exclusive deal for a $5 billion upfront payment from Apple, which would then be followed by $1 billion per year. Musk reportedly gave Apple a 72-hour deadline and threatened to launch a competing feature if Apple declined. Apple ultimately rejected the offer. SpaceX subsequently announced a partnership with T-Mobile for satellite texting capabilities. The Information notes this failed deal added to existing tensions in Apple's relationship with Musk, who has since publicly criticized Apple on issues like App Store fees. SpaceX did not respond to The Information's request for comment.

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