Apple has introduced satellite connectivity to its wearables, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3, during yesterday’s “Awe Dropping” event. The company also announced that older devices will receive an extension, granting free access to the feature for another year.
Emergency SOS via satellite was first launched in 2022 with the iPhone 14 lineup, utilizing a constellation of satellites in partnership with Globalstar. Apple initially provided two years of free access with the iPhone 14 to account for the high cost of satellite deployment. The possibility of future subscription charges for satellite access was hinted at, following the trend set by companies like Garmin.
With the release of the iPhone 15 in September 2023, Apple continued the two-year offer for satellite access. However, in November of the same year, Apple surprised users by extending free access for iPhone 14 users until at least November 2025, with the feature launching in November 2022.
As Apple introduced more satellite features such as Roadside Assistance and Messages via satellite, speculation arose about potential future charges for these services. While essential features like Emergency SOS may remain free, other services like SMS messaging could potentially be monetized in the future.
Despite the possibility of future charges, Apple has announced an additional free year of satellite feature access for existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The extension will cover users until at least November 2026 for iPhone 14 users and September 2026 for iPhone 15 users.
Apple’s decision to extend free access further into the future raises questions about future subscription models for satellite services. The company’s focus on innovation and market leadership suggests that while charges may be introduced eventually, they are not imminent.
With upcoming features like weather reports via satellite hinted at in iOS 26, Apple may be strategically waiting to offer a more comprehensive satellite service before considering subscription fees. The potential for continued extensions of free satellite access underscores Apple’s commitment to providing value to its users.
global $wp;
. ‘/’;
?>
