Apple Affords Added Aid: Free Satellite Service Extended for iPhone 14 and 15 Users
Hidden within Apple’s iPhone 17 announcement was a welcome surprise for owners of older models. Users of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 will receive an additional year of complimentary satellite services, marking the company’s third extension since launching Emergency SOS via Satellite with the iPhone 14 in 2022, according to Engadget.
Apple’s notice stated that iPhone 14 and 15 devices activated before 12:00 a.m. on September 9, 2025, in eligible regions will automatically receive the free extension. However, the service will not be available in Armenia, Belarus, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, or Russia.
The satellite features currently include Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My access, and Roadside Assistance. These services are operated through Apple’s partner company Globalstar.
Although Apple has never disclosed the pricing for these features, industry observers speculate that charging for such life-saving functions would likely generate more negative publicity than positive reception.
