iPhone's Satellite Feature Launched Two Years Ago Today, Remains Free

[MacRumors]

Today marks two years since Apple made its Emergency SOS via satellite feature available on all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. and Canada. Apple has since expanded its suite of satellite-based features, and they all remain free to use for now.

Below, we recap the rollout of Apple's satellite features and what's next.

• November 2022: Apple launches Emergency SOS via satellite in the U.S. and Canada, allowing 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. The feature is available on all iPhone 14 models and newer. When the feature first launched, Apple said it would be free for two years after the activation of any iPhone 14, but the free period was later extended by one year.
• December 2022: The feature expands to the U.K., France, Germany, and Ireland.
• March 2023: The feature expands to Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
• May 2023: The feature expands to Australia and New Zealand.
• September 2023: The feature expands to Spain and Switzerland.
• September 2023: Apple launches Roadside Assistance via satellite in the U.S., allowing you to contact roadside assistance provider AAA via SMS in most locations without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, in the event you get a flat tire, run out of gas, or have other car troubles. The feature is available on all iPhone 14 models and newer. This feature is also free for two years after device activation.
• November 2023: Apple makes Emergency SOS via satellite free for an additional year for users who had already activated an iPhone 14, meaning the feature can be used for free until at least November 2025.
• December 2023: Verizon becomes a Roadside Assistance via satellite partner.
• July 2024: Emergency SOS via satellite expands to Japan.
• September 2024: Apple launches Messages via satellite in the U.S. and Canada, allowing you to send and receive text messages over iMessage and SMS in non-emergency situations outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Like the other satellite features, it has an initial two-year free usage period.
• October 2024: Roadside Assistance via satellite expands to the U.K. with Green Flag.
• November 2024: Apple commits around $1.5 billion to its satellite partner Globalstar to fund the expansion of iPhone satellite services.

It is unclear if and when Apple will start charging for its iPhone satellite features, but the time limit on free usage makes it sound like the company does eventually plan to charge a fee for at least some of the services. The current free period for Emergency SOS via satellite ends one year from today, so Apple still has some time to figure out its plans.

With funding from Apple, Globalstar plans to launch a new satellite constellation and expand its ground infrastructure, which could result in faster connection times and the expansion of iPhone satellite features to additional countries.

Article Link: iPhone's Satellite Feature Launched Two Years Ago Today, Remains Free

 

[ersan191]

I don't think very many people are going to be willing to pay for this.

 

[Piggie]

I reckon is will stay free for short/emergency uses, but in time there will be a sub/charge to use it for other reasons.

1: Apple does not want any headline saying "Person died as they had not paid their monthly fee"
2: Apple would like some money, so it's reasonable to expect a small subscription/fee for more than very short emergency communications.

 

[mannyvel]

I wonder what their utilization rate is for this service.

 

[rotvaldi]

Every State should keep it for free, but only used on cases for disasters.

 

[Plutonius]

I don't think very many people are going to be willing to pay for this.

but it's a free satellite .

 

[vertsix]

Probably the most underrated smartphone feature. Used it plenty in Colorado last month.

 

[Evagoras2001]

Apple already makes a lot of profits from the iPhone. They should include it under the company's Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and not charge

 

[tomtad]

Shame we can't say the same for something people actually use, like iCloud storage which is still stuck at a now unusable 5GB

 

[antiprotest]

Probably the most underrated smartphone feature. Used it plenty in Colorado last month.

View attachment 2451684

What happened? Was it an emergency or did you just not have cell connection and it was convenient to have the satellite?

 

[jedimasterkyle]

For those of us who like to go hiking/camping in the backcountry where there is little to no cell service, this is a LIFESAVER. I'm glad that they've kept it free (for now) but it's also a feature that I'd be happy to shell out for (as long as it's reasonably priced)

 

[ghanwani]

T-Mobile is working on similar service for all phones (iOS and Android) using SpaceX's Starlink. Except that it will be for regular use, not just for emergencies.

Elon Musk confirms T-Mobile will get exclusive access to Starlink mobile internet for one year

Elon Musk’s Starlink and T-Mobile have partnered to expand mobile coverage by using Starlink's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This collaboration aims to eliminate dead zones in remote areas, providing connectivity even where traditional cell towers…

wirelessestimator.com

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wonder what their utilization rate is for this service.

“Super low” … or they’d start charging for it

 

[Rudy69]

The best they could do is charge you afterwards.

Most people wouldn't pay, thinking they will never need it.

Once you need it you're not in a situation to pay for it.

They could make you agree that in case it gets used you agree to pay them X

 

[ellpee]

Shame we can't say the same for something people actually use, like iCloud storage which his still stuck at a now unusable 5GB

The 5GB is just there to lure you in and deter you from seeking out another service.

 

[CarAnalogy]

I reckon is will stay free for short/emergency uses, but in time there will be a sub/charge to use it for other reasons.

1: Apple does not want any headline saying "Person died as they had not paid their monthly fee"
2: Apple would like some money, so it's reasonable to expect a small subscription/fee for more than very short emergency communications.

I'm calling it now as well, this is what will happen. Emergency services will always be free to call just like 911. Don't worry, it will cost more than enough when they send you the bill later (in America anyway...), but the call was free!

Other stuff though they will definitely want to recoup their $1.5+ billion investment on.

 

[vertsix]

What happened? Was it an emergency or did you just not have cell connection and it was convenient to have the satellite?

Nah I go hiking a lot when I go there, so I just figured I would send a message to a couple friends and keep them updated. A LOT of trails in Colorado have no service.

 

[icanhazmac]

I don't think very many people are going to be willing to pay for this.

I agree, but not because of the prospect of paying, IMHO the number of people that need the service enough to justify payment is probably low.

I would think anyone hiking, hunting, etc. who gets off the beaten path would gladly pay for the service, especially if offered on a month to month basis. Going on a trip, subscribe, get home, cancel. Rinse and repeat.

To your point, anyone who doesn't venture away from "civilization", doesn't need the service and therefore won't pay.

 

[Disgruntled_Scot]

Stop reminding them. They don't need another reason to make money...

 

[klasma]

Every State should keep it for free, but only used on cases for disasters.

It would be fun if you had to break the glass back of your iPhone in case of emergency in order to use it.

 

[MrRom92]

Haven’t used this feature even once

 

[webkit]

Emergency services will always be free to call just like 911.

If you have a phone contract, you are very likely paying for 911 in your bill whether you use it or not. State and/or local governments typically charge a monthly 911 fee.

 

[Bustycat]

Apple will charge soon because of the reminder from MacRumors.

 

[now i see it]

Ground to satellite cellular is in the works via T-Mobile & Space-X without the need of a special smartphone — according to Elon Musk

 

[icanhazmac]

Haven’t used this feature even once

So what? This really isn't a feature you use, versus being one you find you need. If you ever find yourself without cell service and in need of help, please remember your disregard for the feature here.