(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)
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Apple’s satellite connectivity for the iPhone will remain free, at least for another year.
Free satellite connectivity was supposed to start expiring in the coming weeks for both the iPhone 14 and 15 models, suggesting Apple could start charging for the feature.
But during today’s iPhone 17 event, Apple said it's "extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing 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."
(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)Satellite connectivity arrived in November 2022, starting with the iPhone 14. It gave owners a way to reach emergency services despite being in a cellular dead zone. The company has since improved the feature to support satellite-powered text messaging to friends and family.
Originally, the free satellite connectivity was supposed to end in November 2024 for early buyers of the iPhone 14. But Apple decided to extend the satellite feature for another year.
It now looks like the free satellite perk is set to expire in late 2026. Apple didn’t explain its reasoning behind the decision. But the market for satellite-to-phone service is intensifying. SpaceX has been offering its own cellular Starlink service through T-Mobile, which not only offers texting but is starting to support satellite data transmission to mobile apps with plans to eventually add voice and video calling. In return, users have to pay $10 per month unless they’re on T-Mobile's most premium plans.
Unlike Apple's system, SpaceX’s service also works without requiring the user to manually point their phone to the open sky to establish the satellite connection. On Monday, the company promised huge upgrades after acquiring radio spectrum for BoostMobile’s parent, EchoStar, in a $17 billion deal to bolster the satellite network’s throughput.
Still, Apple is preparing to upgrade the iPhone satellite features through its partner, Globalstar. The company has plans to launch a new constellation of 48 satellites, which promise to offer stronger signal quality for indoor and in-vehicle use, along with other enhanced features.
The newly announced Apple Watch Ultra 3 will also support satellite connectivity to reach emergency services. The perk is free for the first two years. But if you want to send satellite SMS messages, Apple says, "Find My and Messages via satellite require a carrier plan."