Today marks two years since Apple’s first launch. Emergency SOS via satellite feature Available on all iPhone 14 models in the US and Canada. Apple has since expanded its suite of satellite-based features, all of which remain free to use for now.

iPhone Satellite Feature
Below we recap the rollout of Apple’s satellite features and what’s next.

  • November 2022: Apple launches Emergency SOS via satellite In the US and Canada, it allows you to contact emergency services via SMS in most locations without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. You can also share your location in the Find My app via satellite connection. This feature is available on all iPhone 14 models and newer models. When the feature was first released, Apple said any iPhone 14 would be free for two years after activation, but the free period was later extended by one year.
  • December 2022: This feature expands to the UK, France, Germany and Ireland.
  • March 2023: This feature has been expanded to Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal.
  • May 2023: This feature is expanding to Australia and New Zealand.
  • September 2023: This feature expands to Spain and Switzerland.
  • September 2023: Apple launches Roadside Assistance via Satellite In the US, it lets you contact roadside assistance provider AAA via SMS in most places without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage in case you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or have other issues with your car. This feature is available on all iPhone 14 models and newer models. This feature is also free for two years after device activation.
  • November 2023: Apple provides Emergency Assistance via satellite one more year free For users who have already activated an iPhone 14, this means the feature will be available for free until at least November 2025.
  • December 2023: Verizon becomes Roadside Assistance via satellite partner.
  • July 2024: Emergency SOS via satellite is also being extended to Japan.
  • September 2024: Apple launches Messages via satellite In the US and Canada, it allows you to send and receive text messages via iMessage and SMS in non-emergency situations outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Like other satellite features, it has an initial two-year free usage period.
  • October 2024: Roadside Assistance via satellite is also expanding to the UK with Green Flag.
  • November 2024: Apple Commits nearly $1.5 billion to satellite partner Globalstar To finance the expansion of iPhone satellite services.

It’s unclear if and when Apple will start charging for iPhone satellite features, but the time limit on free tier suggests the company plans to charge for at least some services eventually. The current free period for Emergency Assistance via satellite ends one year from today, so Apple still has some time to determine its plans.

Globalstar plans to launch a new satellite constellation and expand ground infrastructure with funding from Apple; This could enable faster connection times and extend iPhone satellite capabilities to other countries.

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