iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners will get another year of free satellite connectivity. The company did not announce this extension on stage but mentioned it in the footnote of the iPhone 17 Pro press release.
This is the second extension for iPhone 14 since its launch in September 2023.
When Apple launched the iPhone 14 with Emergency SOS satellite connectivity, it bundled two years of free access to the feature. Then, with the iPhone 15 launch in 2024, the company extended the trial period by another year.
Since its initial launch, Apple has expanded satellite connectivity beyond the US to Europe and other regions. Plus, you can now also use satellite connectivity to send texts to your friends or family.
This year, the company is again bundling a free year of satellite connectivity for iPhone 17 users. And for existing iPhone 14 and 15 owners, Apple is extending free access until September 2026.
“Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to 12 a.m. PT on September 9, 2025,” says Apple in a footnote in the iPhone 17 ‘s press release.
There’s still no word from Apple on how much satellite connectivity will cost users after the free trial ends. It might just bundle access to the feature into iCloud+ or Apple One.
Satellite connectivity comes to Apple Watch Ultra 3
This year, Apple is also bringing satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. And like on the iPhone, access will be free for a year. With Find My via satellite, Apple Watch Ultra 3 users can send their location to their contacts once every 15 minutes, even when they are off the grid.
