Apple extends free access to certain satellite features on the iPhone, covering eligible owners of iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 for an additional year. The change is announced in Apple’s press materials for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The extension applies to devices activated in countries that support Apple’s satellite functionality before a cutoff of midnight Pacific Time on September 9. Apple’s report indicates this is a continuation of prior extensions: iPhone 14 satellite access, originally intended to run for two years from its 2022 launch, has been pushed back multiple times, including updates in 2025 and again this year. iPhone 15 owners also receive another extension, and iPhone 16 owners are included in this rolling coverage for the first time.
The satellite capabilities mentioned across the coverage include Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, with availability varying by country. Both outlets describe Apple as not yet confirming whether it will charge once the free period ends, though the practical effect is continued no-cost access for eligible users for at least one more year.
