Apple extended free satellite connectivity on older iPhones for another year. That gives existing users more time with the satellite features without having to pay to keep using them.
The company announced a similar extension during last year’s iPhone 17 launch and the year before that, too.
iPhone is an (emergency) satellite phone
iPhone’s satellite connectivity lets users stay in touch when they’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. On supported iPhone models, satellite features can be used to send emergency messages to first responders, share a location through Find My and, in some regions, send messages to friends and family.
The connection is designed for basic communications rather than normal internet access, however. You can’t use satellite connectivity to browse the web, stream video, make regular cellular calls or use most apps as you would over a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
It’s a limited service… but one that continues to be free.
Apple keeps pushing back the satellite bill
This is Apple’s third extension of free satellite connectivity since it launched the feature on the iPhone 14 Pro in September 2023.
Three years later, the company still does not appear ready to charge for the service. Meanwhile, it continues to improve the feature and expand it to more iPhone apps and other devices.
Apple did not explicitly mention the free year of satellite connectivity on stage during Wednesday’s Surprise and Shine product-launch event. Instead, it tucked the details into a footnote in the iPhone 18 Pro’s press release.
Another free year, with some fine print
“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.”
All new iPhones come with a free year of satellite connectivity. So, if you get a new iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 Pro after September 9, you will still get a free year of satellite connectivity.
Unfortunately, contrary to rumors, the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro family does not come with any new satellite connectivity features. But a free year of satellite connectivity should more than make up for that.
By extending free satellite connectivity for another year, Apple is also putting off the bigger question: what happens when the free period ends, and how much will the service cost? The company’s wording still leaves room for a paid service rather than promising free access forever.
