At least in some cases
If you were among those who purchased a new iPhone in 2022, your device might 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 groundbreaking technology introduced with theiPhone 14 series, has officially expired.
While Apple has granted users an additional year of free access, the clock is ticking, and the long-term cost of the service remains a mystery.
Apple’s Emergency SOS Satellite feature debuted in November 2022, positioning the company as a leader in integrating satellite telecommunications into flagship phones.
Powered by a partnership with Globalstar, the technology enables users to connect with emergency services or share their location via theFind My appin areas without cellular or WiFi coverage.
When theiPhone 14,iPhone 14 Plus,iPhone 14 ProandiPhone 14 Pro Maxlaunched, Apple promised a free two-year trial of the Emergency SOS Satellite feature. That period has now come to an end.
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However, Apple has extended the free use until at least November 2025, giving users a temporary reprieve before fees are introduced.
As of now, Apple has not disclosed how much the service will cost after the extension ends.
For now, iPhone 14 series owners can continue to rely on the Emergency SOS Satellite feature without any immediate cost.
Keep in mind though that the expiration of the initial free period serves as a reminder that this critical service may not remain free forever.
Eventually, users might need to decide whether to pay for ongoing access if Apple introduces pricing after 2025.
But before that happens, we also expect to finally see theiPhone SE 4in early 2025, as well as theiPhone 17 seriesin September next year.