Apple offers iPhone 14 and 15 homeowners an additional free yr of satellite tv for pc connectivity

Tucked away in Apple’s iPhone 17 press releases was a bonus for off-grid homeowners of older fashions. The corporate gave iPhone 14 and 15 homeowners free entry to satellite tv for pc options for an additional yr. That is Apple’s third extension since Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc launched with the iPhone 14.

“The free trial shall be prolonged for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 customers who’ve activated their machine in a rustic that helps Apple’s satellite tv for pc options previous to 12AM PT on September 9, 2025,” the corporate’s copy reads. An Apple help web page lists Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Russia as unsupported nations.

Apple’s off-grid characteristic set started in 2022 with Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc. In iOS 18, it expanded to incorporate Messages via satellite, Discover My entry and roadside help. The options work by way of a partnership with Globalstar.

As for why Apple retains extending the free entry, a Redditor floated a logical-sounding principle after final yr’s announcement. “I am unable to see Apple ever charging for [Emergency SOS via satellite],” u/rotates-potatoes posted. “The optimistic PR of ‘saved by Apple’ is simply too good, and the unfavorable PR of ‘died as a result of they did not pay $3’ is simply too unhealthy.” (It is price noting that the pricing was speculative. Apple hasn’t stated how a lot it plans to cost.)

You’ll be able to demo the options in your iPhone proper now. To check Emergency SOS, head to Settings > Emergency SOS, and scroll right down to “Attempt Demo” (on the backside). For the texting characteristic, go to Settings > Apps > Messages, and scroll right down to “Satellite tv for pc Connection Demo.”