Apple and Musk clash over satellite expansion plans

Apple is clashing with Elon Musk in its push to eliminate cellphone dead spots with satellite technology.

- Drew FitzGerald, Micah Maidenberg & Keach Hagey

The iPhone maker is investing heavily in satellite-based communications that keep users connected in places where traditional wireless signals aren't available.

Musk's SpaceX, meanwhile, has launched more than 550 satellites that provide cellphone connectivity via its Starlink service.

To build capacity, the companies are competing for valuable spectrum rights—airwaves to carry their signals—which are in limited supply.

Apple's outer-space investments have drawn Musk's ire, people familiar with the matter said.

SpaceX has pushed federal regulators to stall an Apple-funded satellite expansion effort.

The conflict intensified in recent months after SpaceX and its partner, T-Mobile, sought Apple's cooperation to offer Starlink on iPhones, some of the people said.

The companies engaged in tense discussions and eventually reached an agreement that allows the SpaceX and T-Mobile satellite cellphone service, which will debut this summer, to appear seamlessly on newer iPhones.

Apple retains tight control over the iPhone's largely closed software ecosystem.

The feud between Musk and Apple over satellite service pits the world's richest man against one of the world's most-valuable companies.

Offering greater connectivity in hard-to-reach areas could spur more iPhone sales or greater adoption of SpaceX's Starlink.

In some ways, the companies need one another to pursue their respective strategies.