Overview
- Apple disclosed Wednesday that it will extend free access to its satellite features for an extra year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who meet the activation rules.
- The extension was placed in a footnote to the iPhone 18 Pro press release and applies only to devices activated in countries that support Apple’s satellite features before midnight Pacific Time on September 9, 2026.
- The satellite suite covers Emergency SOS, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite and Roadside Assistance via satellite and is built for low-bandwidth, emergency and basic communications rather than full internet or app use.
- Apple’s satellite functions rely on partner Globalstar for connectivity, and the company has not said if or when it will begin charging for these services or what any price would be.
- This marks the third confirmed free-extension for iPhone 14 owners and the first time iPhone 16 users were included, sustaining free access now while leaving open broader policy and business questions about long-term costs and emergency-service access.