Some iPhone Users Are Getting Another Year of Free Satellite Features

You may have missed it when the iPhone 17 high-level launch, but Apple has extended the free trial of its satellite services for iPhone 14 and 15. Satellite features include emergency SOs via satellite, which allows you to connect to emergency services when you do not have mobile or wifi coverage. This feature can also automatically contact emergency services in case your Apple Watch detects a hard fall or a vehicle accident.

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

As long as you have activated your iPhone 14 or 15 in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features before 12:00 p.m. on September 9, 2025, you can use these features for another year. For 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

• The Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Portugal

• Spain

• Swiss

• Japan

At the time of writing the editorial time, Apple has not revealed any price details for the functionality of the satellites after the expiration of this free trial. If your iPhone has been bought outside the regions mentioned above, you may always be able to use satellite features if you visit one of the countries where they are available. However, iPhones bought in Armenia, Bélarus, Continental China, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzistan and Russia have no characteristics of satellite connectivity.

Although satellite messaging remains largely to contact the emergency services, you can also use these features to send SMS to anyone when you don’t have a cellular service. If you are wondering how to use the satellite features of your iPhone, you can consult the Lifehacker guide on the use of emergency SOs via satellite.