APPLE EXTENDS FREE SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY FOR IPHONE 14 AND 15 USERS BY ONE YEAR

Apple has announced that owners of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 will receive an extra year of free satellite connectivity, extending access to its Emergency SOS and related features through late 2025.

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The extension underscores Apple's commitment to making satellite services a core part of the iPhone experience, while also buying time before the company begins charging for the capability.

KEEPING EMERGENCY SOS FREE

First introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, Emergency SOS via satellite allows users to connect with emergency responders even when outside traditional cellular or WiFi coverage. The feature uses custom antennas and software to point iPhones toward low-earth orbit satellites, transmitting short bursts of text messages when users are stranded in remote or disaster-affected areas.

Initially, Apple said the service would be free for two years. With this extension, owners of the iPhone 14 and 15 now get a third year, aligning their free period with the expected rollout of iPhone 17 devices and Apple's broader satellite roadmap.

WHY THE EXTENSION MATTERS