Emergency SoS via Satellite, a feature that enables users to contact emergency services when they don’t have access to mobile networks or Wi-Fi networks. The feature came out with the iPhone 14 series and has been around for a year. To facilitate satellite communication, the Cupertino-based tech giant partnered with Globalstar. At the time of launch, Apple said that iPhone 14 users will be able to use Emergency SoS via Satellite at no additional cost for two years. However, the company has extended this duration.
iPhone 14 Purchased Prior To November 15 Are Eligible
In a press release published on November 15, 2023, the iPhone maker mentions that it will provide Emergency SOS via Satellite for one additional free year for existing iPhone 14 users. However, this only applies to the iPhone 14 units activated in a supported country prior to 12 AM PT on November 15 or 1:30 AM IST on November 16 in India. Initially, Apple announced that iPhone 14 users would get the service “free for two years,” implying that the trial will expire in 2024. However, with the additional year, iPhone 14 owners should be able to use the feature till 2025.
iPhone 15 Doesn’t Get A Bonus
iPhone 15 users, on the other hand, will continue to get free access to the feature for two years as there’s no extension for them. Effectively, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 will lose free access to Emergency SOS via Satellite in 2025. Although the feature is only available in 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Canada, Belgium, Austria, and Australia, there’s a good chance that Apple will extend it to more regions in the coming future.
For those catching up, Emergency SOS via Satellite came out in November 2022, two months after Apple rolled out the iPhone 14 series with four models. Building up on the feature, Apple also introduced Roadside Assistance via Satellie in the United States.
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