If you were among those who bought a new iPhone in 2022, your device may now feel a little less helpful, at least in emergency situations.
That’s because the two-year free trial of Apple’s Emergency SOS Satellite feature, a breakthrough technology introduced with the iPhone 14 series, has officially expired.
Although Apple has granted users an extra year of free access, the clock is ticking and the long-term cost of the service remains a mystery.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Apple’s Emergency SOS Satellite feature debuted in November 2022, positioning the company as a leader in integrating satellite telecommunications into flagship phones.
The technology, powered by a partnership with Globalstar, allows users to connect to emergency services or share their location via the Find My app in areas without mobile or WiFi coverage.
When the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max launched, Apple promised a two-year free trial of the Emergency SOS Satellite feature. That period has now come to an end.
However, Apple has extended free usage until at least November 2025, giving users a temporary reprieve before charges are introduced.
So far, Apple has not revealed how much the service will cost after the extension ends.
Foundry
For now, iPhone 14 series owners can continue to rely on the Emergency SOS Satellite feature at no direct cost.
However, keep in mind that the expiration of the initial free period is a reminder that this crucial service may not remain free forever.
Ultimately, users may have to decide whether to pay for continued access when Apple introduces pricing after 2025.
But before that happens, we also expect to finally see the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025, as well as the iPhone 17 series in September next year.
