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Apple extends free satellite access for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users for another year
Key points
- Apple extended free satellite feature access for another year.
- Applies to existing iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users.
- Extension announced in iPhone 18 Pro press release footnote.
- Apple has not announced future pricing for satellite features.
Free Satellite Access Extended
Apple announced an extension of free access to its satellite features for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. This information was provided in a footnote within the iPhone 18 Pro press release. The extension grants these users another year of complimentary access to satellite services.
Satellite Feature Evolution
Satellite connectivity was first introduced with the iPhone 14 lineup, initially offering Emergency SOS via satellite and Find My location sharing. Apple has since expanded these offerings to include Roadside Assistance via satellite and Messages via satellite, collectively referred to as its satellite features.
Previous Extensions and Current Coverage
This is not the first extension Apple has provided. In November 2023, Emergency SOS via satellite access was extended for iPhone 14 users. Last year, free access for all satellite features was extended for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The current extension prevents free access from expiring for many users later this year and now includes iPhone 16 users.
New iPhone Users and Future Pricing
Users purchasing the new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo will receive their own year of free satellite access. Apple has not yet disclosed pricing for these satellite features once the free access periods conclude. Speculation suggests some features, particularly life-saving ones, might remain free.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Apple extended free access to its satellite features for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users for an additional year. This extension was announced in a footnote to the iPhone 18 Pro press release, ensuring continued access to features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance.