Apple extends free satellite features for iPhone 14 & 15 until Sep 9, 2025
Apple quietly extended free satellite connectivity for iPhone 14 and 15 owners — the company will keep Emergency SOS via satellite and the expanded iOS 18 satellite features free for eligible devices until September 9, 2025. This is the third extension since the service launched with the iPhone 14.
What’s included
- Emergency SOS via satellite
- Messages via satellite
- Find My (satellite-based location)
- Roadside assistance via satellite
These features run through Apple’s partnership with Globalstar and require a supported country and a compatible iPhone activated in that country before 12AM PT on September 9, 2025.
Unsupported countries
Apple’s support pages list the following as unsupported for satellite services (devices sold/activated there won’t get the features):
- Armenia
- Belarus
- China mainland
- Hong Kong
- Macao
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Russia
Why the extension?
Apple has extended the free access multiple times. Some have speculated Apple may never charge for Emergency SOS due to the strong positive PR of lifesaving use cases versus the negative PR of charging for emergency access. Apple hasn’t announced pricing plans.
How to try the features
- Emergency SOS demo: Settings > Emergency SOS > Try Demo
- Messages via satellite demo: Settings > Apps > Messages > Satellite Connection Demo
Official Apple details and compatibility: Apple Support — Emergency SOS via satellite
Have you tested these features off-grid? Share your experience in the comments below.