iPhone Satellite Features Remain Free for Another Year
When Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone 14, it promised two years of free service. Later, Apple extended the free service by another year (see “Apple Extends Free Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone 14 Users for Another Year,” 15 November 2023). That extension was set to expire in November, but Apple has—in a footnote on the press releases for the new iPhones—moved the free access expiration date again:
Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to 12 a.m. PT on September 9, 2025.
The competitive landscape for satellite features continues to evolve, and it seems that Apple is content for now to keep satellite connectivity as a feature that enhances the entire ecosystem (see “How T‑Mobile’s New T‑Satellite Compares with Apple’s Free Satellite Features,” 8 August 2025). Although my speculation that some new satellite technology would accompany the iPhone 17 launch didn’t materialize, Apple could still be developing operating system-level changes that would support turning non-emergency satellite connectivity into Services revenue.
I’m under the impression that new satellite capability DID accompany this new release. This past weekend, using the iPhoneOS public beta, I sent a whole bunch of iMessages via satellite, while out of cell range, to a friend. It was unexpected; when I went to send the message, the phone asked if I’d like to send it by satellite, and it had me orient my phone for approximate alignment with the satellite using left/right directions.
The messages went through pretty quickly though there was more lag than when you have a normal cellular connection.
So that feature exists in the beta. Are you saying they’re removing it for the actual launch? That would be disappointing.
Messages via satellite appeared last year, though I wouldn’t be surprised if the workflow had changed a little.
I guess I missed that, and hadn’t been in a situation where the feature became available until this week. It’s a pretty cool feature.
In my case, I am a (small plane) pilot, so the feature allows me to send and receive messages while up at altitude where cell signals don’t reach. Amazing.
Do they not reach?
I was under the impression that the FCC (not FAA) regulation prohibiting cell phone use on airplanes is because it has the potential to overwhelm the cellular network - from phones hopping from cell to cell several times a minute, due to the plane’s high speed and visibility to potentially hundreds of towers at a time.
Of course, whether or not the signal will reach, it is not legal to use a cell phone at altitude, because of that FCC regulation. So the ability to fire off a quick message while in airplane mode is still a good thing.
Having tested it, they don’t reach above about 5000 feet.
That’s surprising it works from inside the cockpit. Or do you have to roll down the window?
Works fine through the plexiglass canopy. No need to open it (though i could!)
This is brilliant on Apple’s part. Actual text messaging requires a cellular plan which likely covers the cost, and emergency services should always be free to call because you absolutely will be paying after they save you, the cost of the call itself is miniscule compared to a mountain helicopter rescue to use one of their own examples. Same for roadside assistance, why not enable the functionality via satellite and charge per incident. Win-win for everyone.
Quick edit: wait I know it said the watch messaging requires a cellular plan, and I know T-Mobile satellite messaging requires a cellular plan, but I just remembered (I think) that you can send iMessage via satellite now. If that’s true that’s even more brilliant.
You don’t need to have a cellular plan to send iMessages via satellite. Presumably you could do so (free) on an iPhone with no cellular service at all.
I think that you do. Apple’s support page says that you need an active SIM, as does this support page.
Then I stand corrected, though it would be interesting to test it.