Apple has quietly extended free satellite services for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users, pushing the deadline into 2026.
TLDR:
- Apple extends satellite feature access for iPhone 14 and 15 users for free until at least mid-September 2026
- This marks the third time Apple has delayed charging for the services
- Features include Emergency SOS, Messages via Satellite, Find My, and Roadside Assistance
- The services are unavailable in some countries and require device activation in supported regions
What Happened?
In an update tucked into Apple’s latest press materials for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, the company confirmed that iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users will receive an extra free year of satellite connectivity features. The services were originally scheduled to begin charging users starting this month for iPhone 15, and next year for iPhone 14. But Apple has now pushed the free access period until at least September 2026.
Apple Continues to Delay Charging for Satellite Access
Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022 with the iPhone 14 series. At launch, the company promised two years of free use, with an eventual plan to start charging. However, instead of introducing pricing, Apple has extended the free period three times now, giving more breathing room to users who depend on the service when off-grid.
According to Apple’s own language, the new extension applies to users who activated their iPhone 14 or 15 in a country that supports satellite features before 12 a.m. PT on September 9, 2025. Those users will now keep access through at least mid-September 2026.
Here’s a quick look at what the satellite features include:
- Emergency SOS via Satellite: Lets you contact emergency services without cellular or Wi-Fi
- Messages via Satellite: Send texts to friends and family when you’re off the grid
- Find My via Satellite: Share your location with contacts
- Roadside Assistance via Satellite: Get help if your car breaks down in remote areas
These features rely on Apple’s partnership with Globalstar, which provides the satellite infrastructure behind the service.
Some Countries Still Unsupported
Despite its life-saving potential, satellite service is still not available everywhere. Apple lists several countries where the features are currently unsupported, including:
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Mainland China
- Hong Kong
- Macao
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kazakhstan
- Russia
Users in supported regions can test these features anytime through their device settings. Emergency SOS demos are available under Settings > Emergency SOS, while satellite messaging demos can be found in Settings > Apps > Messages.
Why Is Apple Keeping It Free?
Apple hasn’t explained the reasoning behind the continued free access, nor has it announced any official pricing. One theory floated by a Reddit user sums it up well: “The positive PR of ‘saved by Apple’ is too good, and the negative PR of ‘died because they didn’t pay $3’ is too bad.” That speculation aligns with the cautious path Apple seems to be taking. For now, the company is letting users benefit from the features without charging, possibly to build public trust and promote safety.
What TechKV Thinks?
Honestly, I think Apple is playing the long game here. These satellite features are a genuine lifesaver, and every time someone gets rescued using an iPhone, it makes headlines. That’s some powerful brand value you just can’t buy. If Apple were to put a price tag on it too soon, it would risk turning a goodwill win into a PR mess. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up keeping Emergency SOS free forever, and maybe charge separately for the other extras. Either way, if you own an iPhone 14 or 15, you’ve got at least another year of peace of mind.
