Musk's 'Feud List' Just Another Name: Apple
1min read According to people familiar with the matter, Apple just becomes Elon Musk's next foe, as the tech giant and Musk's SpaceX compete for access to limited spectrum rights—a crucial resource for satellite-based communications.
Apple is heavily investing in satellite technology to ensure users stay connected in areas without traditional wireless coverage. However, this puts the company in direct competition with SpaceX, which has already launched over 550 satellites to provide mobile connectivity through its Starlink service.
Ask Aime: How will Apple and SpaceX's satellite technology competition impact the satellite communication industry?
Both companies are vying for control of finite spectrum resources—radio frequency bands essential for transmitting signals—intensifying tensions between the two tech giants.
Insiders reveal that Apple's satellite investments have angered Musk, with SpaceX even urging federal regulators to block Apple-backed satellite expansion plans.
The dispute has escalated in recent months. SpaceX and its partner T-Mobile had initially hoped to collaborate with apple to integrate Starlink services into iPhones. After tense negotiations, a deal was reached allowing SpaceX and T-Mobile's upcoming satellite phone service—set to launch this summer—to be displayed on newer iPhone models.
Additionally, Apple and SpaceX executives intermittently discussed enabling iPhones to connect directly to SpaceX satellites, but no agreement was reached.
Last year, Apple invested over $1 billion in satellite operator Globalstar, which supports the iPhone's built-in satellite connectivity. The feature lets users send texts, make emergency calls, and request roadside assistance in areas without cellular coverage. Apple's investment aims to help Globalstar develop a new global satellite network to enhance the iPhone's satellite capabilities.
Recent filings show that SpaceX has petitioned the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject Globalstar's request to use specific spectrum bands for Apple-funded satellite expansions. SpaceX argues that dedicating spectrum for Apple's emergency signals would be an inefficient use of the limited resource.
This isn't the first clash between Musk and Apple. The two have previously competed for talent in the autonomous vehicle sector, with Tesla and Apple's self-driving car project vying for engineers. Tensions also arose over X (formerly Twitter), which relies on Apple's App Store for distribution and generates revenue from Apple's ad platform.
Sources say Musk, frustrated with Apple's control over third-party apps like X, has repeatedly considered developing his own smartphone.
However, analysts note that breaking into the smartphone market—where Apple and Samsung dominate nearly 40% of global sales—would be an uphill battle.
