Musk’s $5 Billion Satellite Demand: The Apple Rift That’s Sparked a 3-Year Battle

Musk’s Bold Play for iPhone Users

Back in 2022, Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, made a pretty bold move. He gave Apple, the tech giant behind iPhones, a 72-hour deadline to accept a deal worth $5 billion. What was the deal about? SpaceX wanted to be the sole provider of satellite services for iPhones, essentially becoming the go-to for internet access from space for Apple users.

Apple Says No, Conflict Begins

Apple wasn’t biting. They rejected Musk’s offer, kicking off a three-year showdown. This wasn’t just a simple business disagreement; it involved regulatory hurdles and even some internal tension within Apple itself. Apparently, not everyone within Apple’s leadership team was on board with the company’s satellite strategy.

Apple Doubles Down on Satellites

Despite the challenges and pushback, Apple hasn’t backed down. They’ve poured significant investments into Globalstar, a company that provides satellite communication services. This shows that Apple is serious about offering satellite connectivity to its users, even if it means facing fierce competition from SpaceX.