Lance Whitney/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways
- Apple is providing another year of free satellite access for older iPhones.
- Access can be critical in remote areas without Wi-Fi or cellular.
- Apple has already extended the free trial twice in the past.
Apple currently offers its satellite service as a free trial to users of the iPhone 14 and up. But that free access is supposed to expire two years after you activate your phone. Now the company is extending that coverage for older iPhones.
In a footnote to its iPhone 18 Pro press release, Apple said that it’s granting free trial access to the satellite service for another year to existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The trial will be extended to those who have already activated their devices in any country that supports the service.
Also: How the Apple iPhone 14 connects to satellites during emergencies
The free access automatically kicks in when you buy and activate a new iPhone. That means anyone who purchases the new iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone Duo will be covered. With the standard two-year trial, owners of any iPhone 17 model will be good for at least another year.
“When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features help iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most,” Apple said in the footnote. “Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to midnight PT on September 9. For satellite feature availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/105097.”
Why satellite coverage matters
Mobile phone satellite service has turned from a perk into a must-have feature. That’s because it’s crucial for people who need to connect or contact someone in an area with no Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. That’s especially true in an emergency if you need medical help or other services in a remote location not supported by terrestrial networks.
Also: The iPhone 14’s satellite texting feature saved a stranded snowmobiler in Alaska
Such coverage can also serve a critical role during a natural disaster. With Wi-Fi and cellular often down due to high winds, flash flooding, or wildfires, satellite connectivity is typically the only way first responders, people in danger, and concerned friends and family members can communicate.
With those efforts in mind, Apple’s satellite service offers a few benefits.
Emergency SOS. Emergency SOS lets you call or text emergency personnel. If your call or message is unable to go through because there’s no cellular access, the satellite service automatically takes over to connect you. For this to work, you do need a clear view of the sky and horizon. To check your access through a built-in demo, go to Settings and select “Emergency SOS.” Swipe to the bottom of the page and tap the Try Demo link. Follow the steps, and your phone will tell you whether or not you have a clear view of the sky.
Messages. Here, you can send and receive text messages through the satellite connection. The access is available for recent conversations. You can also use emoji, Tapbacks, and certain other texting options.
Find My. Using the Find My app, you’re able to share your current location with friends, family members, and others when you’re connected via a satellite.
Roadside Assistance. With this option, you can contact a roadside service provider if you need help with your car, and there’s no Wi-Fi or cellular service accessible.
Past extensions
This isn’t the first time that Apple has extended the free two-year trial.
In November 2023, Apple granted iPhone users another year of free access. Last year, with the launch of the iPhone 17, the company again extended the trial by another year for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users.
Also: Above the storms: How satellite tech can be a lifesaver during natural disasters
These ongoing extensions raise the question of whether Apple will ever charge for its satellite service. Here, the company faces a conundrum.
Imagine if someone needs medical care in a remote location, but they can’t contact emergency services because their trial service has run out. Beyond putting that person in danger, this would not be a good look for Apple. On the flip side, the satellite service is likely costing the company a fair amount of money, so at some point it might need to charge for it.
One solution would be to continue to offer benefits like the Emergency SOS and the Roadside Assistance for free, but charge people a monthly or per-use fee to send a text message or perform other tasks.
For now, anyone who uses an iPhone 14 or higher should be happy that Apple is footing the bill for the satellite coverage for another year. Let’s see if the company extends the free trial again next year or comes up with a way to charge for the service without putting people at risk.
