Apple Leads Global Market for Satellite-Connected Smartphones
Apple leads the global market for satellite-connected smartphones, having pioneered the trend with Emergency SOS via satellite on the iPhone 14 in 2022, according to a Counterpoint Research report. The technology is expected to be included in 46% of smartphone shipments by 2030, with premium devices currently dominating due to limited everyday use cases. While Apple maintains its lead, Samsung, Huawei, Google, and other Android manufacturers are advancing satellite capabilities through proprietary systems or alignment with the 3GPP NTN standard.
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Apple Leads Global Market for Satellite-Connected SmartphonesThursday April 30, 2026 8:28 am PDT by Hartley CharltonApple 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.
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