In 2015, Apple set out to revolutionize mobile connectivity with a bold initiative called Project Eagle. The goal was to deliver satellite-powered Wi-Fi directly to iPhones. If successful, this would have made Apple a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink and allowed iPhone users to access the internet globally—even in remote areas without cell service.
Engineering a Space-Based Network
Apple teamed up with Boeing to explore launching a fleet of low-Earth orbit satellites. These satellites would have transmitted internet signals to antennas on buildings, which would then relay the signal to Apple devices. Ruben Caballero, a senior Apple wireless engineer, led the development.
The company even built a secret testing facility in El Segundo, California, and invested $36 million to get the project moving. Apple clearly saw serious potential in the idea.
Why Apple Pulled the Plug
Despite promising technology, Tim Cook decided to cancel the project. Apple feared it might harm its relationships with telecom partners, who could see it as competition. The company also worried about being classified as a telecom provider, which would bring heavy regulation.
Financial risk added to the concern. While development costs were manageable, Apple lacked a clear business model. At one point, it considered a $30–40 billion partnership with OneWeb, but backed out. OneWeb later went bankrupt in 2020.
What Came After Project Eagle
Although Apple abandoned the satellite Wi-Fi idea, it didn’t waste the research. It used the insights to expand its wireless technologies, including the $1 billion acquisition of Intel’s modem business. That led to the development of Apple’s custom C1 modem.
Elon Musk later offered a Starlink partnership, but Apple declined. Musk then teamed up with T-Mobile to build his own smartphone satellite service.
A Missed Opportunity or a Strategic Move?
Apple never returned to full satellite Wi-Fi. Instead, it introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite with the iPhone 14—a limited feature aimed at emergencies. Project Eagle remains a fascinating chapter in Apple’s history, reminding us how even the most powerful tech companies must balance ambition with strategy.
