Some iPhone Users Are Getting Another Year of Free Satellite Features

You may have missed it during the high-profile launch of the iPhone 17, but Apple has extended the free trial of its satellite services for the iPhone 14 and 15. The satellite features include Emergency SOS via satellite, which lets you connect to emergency services when you have no mobile or wifi coverage. This feature can also automatically contact emergency services in case your Apple Watch detects a hard fall or a vehicle crash.

Initially launched with the iPhone 14, this feature is offered for free for up to two years with a new iPhone. During the September 2025 iPhone event, Apple announced that it's extending satellite features for one more year for people who have iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. The announcement only excludes the iPhone 16 because it's only been one year since its launch, and the service is available for free for at least two years.

As long as you activated your iPhone 14 or 15 in a country that supports Apple's satellite features before 12 a.m. PT on September 9, 2025, you can use those features for free for another year. At the moment, satellite features for iPhones are available in the following regions:

• United States

• Canada

• France

• Germany

• Ireland

• United Kingdom

• Australia

• Austria

• Belgium

• Italy

• Luxembourg

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Portugal

• Spain

• Switzerland

• Japan 

At the time of writing, Apple hasn't revealed any pricing details for satellite features after this free trial expires. If your iPhone was purchased outside the regions mentioned above, you may still be able to use satellite features if you visit any of the countries where they are available. However, iPhones purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia do not have satellite connectivity features at all. 

While the focus of satellite messaging largely remains on contacting emergency services, you can also use these features to text anyone when you have no cell service. If you're wondering how to use your iPhone's satellite features, you can check out Lifehacker's guide to using Emergency SOS via satellite.