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ZDNET’s key takeaways
Apple is providing another year of free satellite access for older iPhones.
Access can be critical in remote areas without Wi-Fi or cellular.
Apple has already extended the free trial twice in the past.
Apple currently offers its satellite service as a free trial to users of the iPhone 14 and up. But that free access is supposed to expire two years after you activate your phone. Now the company is extending that coverage for older iPhones.
In a footnote to its iPhone 18 Pro press release, Apple said that it’s granting free trial access to the satellite service for another year to existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The trial will be extended to those who have already activated their devices in any country that supports the service.
Also: How the Apple iPhone 14 connects to satellites during emergencies
The free access automatically kicks in when you buy and activate a new iPhone. That means anyone who purchases the new iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone Duo will be covered. With the standard two-year trial, owners of any iPhone 17 model will be good for at least another year.
“When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features help iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most,” Apple said in the footnote. “Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to midnight PT on September 9. For satellite feature availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/105097.”
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