Apple extends free satellite features for older iPhones

A footnote in the iPhone 18 Pro press release revealed that Apple is providing an additional year of free satellite features for older iPhones. This means users with compatible iPhone models dating back to 2022’s iPhone 14 series will be able to enjoy Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite free of charge for at least one more year.

The only requirement is that the devices need to be activated before September 9, 2026. This development marks the third time that Cupertino is extending free satellite access for the iPhone 14 series. Similarly, iPhone 15 series devices got their first extension last year following the iPhone 17 series’ debut. The latest extension is the first one for the iPhone 16 generation.

It's also worth noting that Apple refers to the satellite features as a “free trial”, but there are no official details on pricing after the trial expires.