Apple is continuing to expand its satellite capabilities on iPhone. The company has confirmed that the Emergency SOS satellite feature will launch in Mexico later this year. This expands the list of countries where iPhone users can access critical emergency and communication features even without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The services are available on all iPhone 14 models and newer and remain free to use.
With the introduction of satellite features, Apple has created a solution that enables safety and accessibility even when there is no network. Satellite connectivity can be crucial, especially when traveling, in remote areas, or in emergency situations. The features cover a wide range of areas—from emergency calls to location sharing—and are constantly being expanded. Apple currently offers the service at no additional cost and has extended free access for existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users for another year.
Satellite functions at a glance
Apple's Satellite Services consists of several components that vary by country. These include Emergency SOS by Satellite, Find My by Satellite, Messages by Satellite, and Roadside Assistance by Satellite. These services are activated when there is no traditional Wi-Fi or cellular connection. In this case, a page called "Satellite" appears in the iPhone's Control Center. There, you can launch the connection wizard, which displays all available satellite functions in the respective country. A demo mode can also be used in everyday use to test the functions.
Availability by country
The emergency SOS satellite function is already available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Mexico will be added later this year.
The "Find My" satellite feature is available in the same countries, including Mexico. This allows iPhone locations to be shared even when there's no network coverage. Satellite messaging is currently only available in Canada, Mexico, and the US. Text messages can be sent there even without a cellular connection.
Satellite roadside assistance is currently available in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It provides direct assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown when no other connection is available.
Costs and conditions
Apple currently does not charge for using its satellite features. In September, the company announced that iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 users would retain free access to all satellite services for another year. It is unknown whether Apple plans to offer a paid version in the future.
Travelers also benefit: Anyone staying in a country where the features are available can use them during their stay. However, there is a restriction for devices purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Russia. These iPhones cannot activate the satellite functions. Furthermore, the required iOS version for access varies by country.
Looking to the Future
In a beta version of iOS 26, hints of an additional feature were discovered: weather information via satellite. Apple hasn't officially announced this feature yet, and it's unclear whether it will actually be implemented. However, the code suggests that Apple plans to use its satellite technology even more broadly in the future.
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Apple's satellite strategy: Security meets innovation
Apple remains true to its focus on security and user convenience. The free satellite features make the iPhone a reliable tool in emergency situations, even without network coverage. With the expansion to Mexico and potential new services like satellite weather, Apple is continuing its strategy to improve communications and security worldwide. Anyone with an iPhone 14 or newer can already benefit from these free features – wherever they are available. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Rini.com)
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