Taimur Asad·

Apple Had Planned To Launch A Starlink-Like Internet Service

Apple reportedly had plans to launch its own home internet service, similar to that provided by Starlink, that would be offered in collaboration with airplane maker Boeing.

That’s according to a new report by The Information.

The report claims that Apple had discussions around a Project Eagle with Boeing back in 2015 with the idea being to offer internet-based services to iPhones as well as homes.

The system would be backed by the launch of satellites into orbit around the planet with connectivity then provided to devices and properties on the surface. The system sounds similar to the way Starlink currently offers static and mobile connectivity to its customers.

It’s thought that Apple ultimately hoped to cut out cellular carriers and reduce the company’s reliance on third parties. The company is said to have pumped $36 million intro testing the fledgling Project Eagle at a facility in California with a launch thought to have been planned for some time in 2019.

However, the project never got off the ground with CEO Tim Cook worried about how it might impact Apple’s relationship with carriers.

Ultimately, Apple canned the project in 2016, but it still looked at the potential for other satellite-based communications partnerships. It had talks with some companies about offering home connectivity, again similar to Starlink, but the project stalled over similar concerns regarding its potential to upset existing partners.

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