Apple is giving owners of older compatible iPhones another year of free access to its satellite-based services.
The extension was quietly confirmed in a footnote accompanying the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max announcement.
Which iPhones Are Eligible
The extension covers compatible models dating back to the iPhone 14 series, which introduced Apple’s satellite connectivity features in 2022.
Eligible devices must have been activated before September 9, 2026.
The extension also applies to later generations, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series.
This is the third time Apple has extended free satellite access for iPhone 14 owners. The iPhone 15 lineup received its first extension last year, while this is the first extension for iPhone 16 models.
Satellite Features Included
Users will continue to get free access to several satellite-powered services, including:
- Emergency SOS via satellite
- Messages via satellite
- Find My via satellite
- Roadside Assistance via satellite
These features allow compatible iPhones to communicate when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable, depending on regional availability.
Apple Still Calls It a Free Trial
Apple continues to describe access to its satellite services as a free trial.
However, the company has still not announced how much the services could eventually cost once the free period ends.
When Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone 14 series, it offered two years of complimentary access. Multiple extensions since then have kept the feature free for early users far longer than originally expected.
For now, owners of eligible iPhones can continue using Apple’s satellite features for at least another year without paying an additional subscription fee.
The post Apple Extends Free Satellite Features for Older iPhones Again appeared first on ProPakistani.
