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             iPhone Satellite Features Remain Free for Another Year

   Adam Engst

   When Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone
   14, it promised [1]two years of free service. Later, Apple extended the
   free service by another year (see '[2]Apple Extends Free Emergency SOS
   via Satellite for iPhone 14 Users for Another Year,' 15 November 2023).
   That extension was set to expire in November, but Apple has'[3]in a
   footnote on the press releases for the new iPhones'moved the free
   access expiration date again:

     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.

   The competitive landscape for satellite features continues to evolve,
   and it seems that Apple is content for now to keep satellite
   connectivity as a feature that enhances the entire ecosystem (see
   '[4]How T'Mobile's New T'Satellite Compares with Apple's Free Satellite
   Features,' 8 August 2025). Although my speculation that some new
   satellite technology would accompany the iPhone 17 launch didn't
   materialize, Apple could still be developing operating system-level
   changes that would support turning non-emergency satellite connectivity
   into Services revenue.

References

   1. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/11/emergency-sos-via-satellite-available-today-on-iphone-14-lineup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#:~:text=the%20service%20will%20be%20included%20for%20free%20for%20two%20years%20starting%20at%20the%20time%20of%20activation%20of%20a%20new%20iphone%2014%2C%20iphone%2014%20plus%2C%20iphone%2014%20pro%2C%20and%20iphone%2014%20pro%20max.4
   2. https://tidbits.com/2023/11/15/apple-extends-free-emergency-sos-via-satellite-for-iphone-14-users-for-another-year/
   3. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-debuts-iphone-17/#:~:text=Apple%20is%20extending,September%209%2C%202025.
   4. https://tidbits.com/2025/08/08/how-t%e2%80%91mobiles-new-t%e2%80%91satellite-compares-with-apples-free-satellite-features/

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