Apple today announced that it will extend free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users.
The extension applies to devices activated in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features before midnight Pacific Time on September 9. Apple revealed the update in its press release for the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
This is at least the third time Apple has extended free access to features to iPhone 14 users, whose satellite trial was originally scheduled to last two years from the phone’s launch in November 2022 before Apple pushed the expiration date back to 2025 and again this year. Free access for iPhone 15 users, whose trial was set to expire this year, has also been extended, and iPhone 16 owners are now covered for the first time by the same ongoing extension.
Apple’s satellite features include Satellite Emergency SOS, Satellite Messages, Satellite Find My, and Satellite Roadside Assistance, with availability varying by country. The features leverage Apple’s satellite partner Globalstar and allow users to access emergency services, share their location or send messages when they don’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
Apple hasn’t confirmed what, if anything, it plans to charge for the features once free access ends. For now, the practical effect is that iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 owners who activated their devices before today’s deadline can continue to use the features at no cost for at least another year.
Popular stories
Apple Event Today: Cheat Sheet for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo
Apple’s biggest event of the year is almost here and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone set to headline Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, the rumor mill is running at full speed, fueled by the biggest design change in the iPhone’s life. To get you up to speed, here’s a quick reference…
iPhone 18 Pro: Nine reasons not to upgrade this year
Apple is set to unveil the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a largely similar design to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with many improvements inside. Major changes aren’t expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned iPhone for the 20th anniversary. If you are thinking about…
iPhone 18 Pro: release date and pre-orders
Apple has announced that it will host an event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. PT where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, its first-ever foldable iPhone Ultra, and more. Now that we know the event date, we can make an educated guess when iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders will begin, but there’s a small problem this year….
