Apple extends free satellite service for older iPhones by one year

Apple has extended an important feature for older iPhone users by another year. The company has stated in a footnote included in the press release of the iPhone 18 Pro that free satellite features will be available on compatible older iPhones for another year.

Under this decision, users of other compatible models, including the iPhone 14 series introduced in 2022, will be able to use features such as Emergency SOS via Satellite, Messages via Satellite, Find My via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite for at least another year for free.

Which iPhones will get this feature?

The condition for the extension of the free service is that the relevant iPhone was activated before September 9, 2026. Compatible devices that meet this condition will get an additional period of satellite features.

This is the third time that this period has been extended for the iPhone 14 series. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 series was given an additional free period for the first time since the launch of the iPhone 17 series last year, while this is the first extension for the iPhone 16 series.

How much will the fee be after the free trial?

Apple is still calling these facilities a ‘free trial’. However, the company has not yet released any official details on how much users will have to pay for these satellite services after the trial period is over.