Apple’s satellite messaging service was a key feature of the iPhone 14. Initially limited to providing an emergency service for those outside cellular coverage areas, it was subsequently extended to offer roadside assistance cover for mechanical problems and messaging with family and friends too.
Although initially described as free for the first two years only, Apple subsequently extended free coverage – and has just done so again …
As Macworld notes, here are the latest free periods:
iPhone 14/15: September 2022 to September 2026
iPhone 16/16e: February 2027 to September 2028
iPhone 17/17 Pro: September 2027 to September 2028
iPhone Air: Up to September 2027 to September 2028
Apple Watch Ultra 3: September 2027 to September 2028
Two years ago, I agreed with John Gruber that the company would have a massive problem if it ever decided to start charging for the emergency SOS service.
We can all imagine the headlines if a family of hikers were injured and died in the wilderness, only to later transpire that they tried and failed to use the Emergency SOS via Satellite service because their free subscription had expired. Apple has to find a way to keep it free.
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