Continuing what iDropNews called “the longest ‘free trial’ in history,” Apple has once again extended free access to its satellite features for yet another year.
Apple didn’t post a notice on its own about the move, but instead quielty included it at the bottom of yesterday’s iPhone 18 Pro press release. This marks the third time Apple has extended free access to a service that was originally expected to be free for only two years with the purchase of a new iPhone.
Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to midnight PT on September 9.
Apple debuted the first of its satellite services, Emergency SOS via satellite, alongside the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022 (although it didn’t go live until November 15). Apple promised that anyone purchasing a new iPhone would get two years of coverage included at no additional charge. This insinuated that Apple might charge the user after the two year “trial period” had expired.
That meant that everyone who purchased and activated an iPhone 14 before that date free access until November 15, 2024. Apple made a similar offer for iPhone 15 owners in September 2023, and let iPhone 14 users know that they’d be scoring an additional free year.
Than, Apple once again tacked yet another free year onto all satellite services for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 buyers, extending them into 2026.
Apple also continued to add more new features to the satellite service. In 2023, Roadside Assistance via satellite debuted in iOS 17, and then Messages via satellite premiered in iOS 18 the next year.
Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service utilizes the spectrum in L and S bands specially designated for mobile satellite services by ITU Radio Regulations. When an iPhone user makes an Emergency SOS via satellite request, the message is received by one of Globalstar’s 24 satellites in low-earth orbit traveling at speeds of approximately 16,000 mph. The satellite then sends the message down to custom ground stations located at key points all over the world.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite lets iPhone users connect to roadside assistance services in areas where they have no cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Connecting to a satellite (on an iPhone 14 or newer, with iOS 17 or later installed), requires being outside, with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
When your iPhone 14 or newer iPhone is out of the range of cellular and WiFi networks, a pop-up alert will appear, offering access to all of Apple’s satellite services, including Find My, Roadside Assistance, Emergency SOS, and now iMessage.
