Apple Extends Free Satellite Access for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 Users

Apple's 'Surprise and Shine' iPhone Event: Follow along with our live blog.Apple today announced it is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The extension applies to devices activated in a country that supports Apple's satellite features prior to midnight Pacific Time on September 9. Apple revealed the update in its press release for the new iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max. This marks at least the third time Apple has extended free access to the features for iPhone 14 users, whose satellite trial was originally set to run for two years from the phone's launch in November 2022 before Apple pushed the expiration date back in 2025 and again this year. Free access for iPhone 15 users, whose trial was set to expire this year, has similarly been extended, and ‌iPhone 16‌ owners are now covered by the same rolling extension for the first time. Apple's satellite features include Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, with availability varying by country. The features rely on Apple's satellite partner Globalstar and let users reach emergency services, share their location, or send messages when they have no cellular or Wi-Fi signal. Apple has not confirmed what, if anything, it plans to charge for the features once free access eventually ends. For now, the practical effect is that iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and ‌iPhone 16‌ owners who activated their devices before today's cutoff can keep using the features at no cost for at least another year. Popular StoriesApple Event Today: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo Cheat SheetTuesday September 8, 2026 10:24 am PDT by Tim HardwickApple's biggest event of the year is almost here, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone expected to headline Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running full throttle, fuelled by the biggest single design change in the life of the iPhone. To get you up to speed, here's a quick reference...iPhone 18 Pro: Nine Reasons Not to Upgrade This YearMonday September 7, 2026 5:01 am PDT by Tim HardwickApple is set to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a design that's largely similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a peppering of enhancements inside. Major changes are not expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone. If you're thinking of...Apple Event Live Blog: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and More ExpectedWednesday September 9, 2026 9:10 am PDT by Jordan GolsonApple's "Surprise and Shine" event kicks off today at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where we're expecting to see the foldable iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, new AirPods 5 earphones, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We...