It has been announced that Apple has extended the free usage period for Emergency SOS satellite features for iPhone 14 users. Prior to this year, Apple gave iPhone 14 customers two free years after activation, which would have expired this time next year. Now, all current iPhone 14 owners can use the Emergency SOS satellite service for free for an additional two years.
What does this mean? The Emergency SOS satellite feature allows iPhone users to send short text messages to emergency responders even when they are outside of cell phone or wifi coverage. This can help people get assistance if they are in trouble somewhere without normal communication options. The Find My app can also update your location using the satellite signal.
Apple has not said yet how much they will charge for this service once the free period ends. By extending the free time, Apple is waiting longer to make that decision. Only iPhone 14 users get the extra free years – people who buy the upcoming iPhone 15 will still get the original two free years that start when they buy their phone. So iPhone 14 and 15 owners will both lose their free access around September 2025.
Another nice thing – with the iPhone 15, Apple expanded Emergency SOS to let you contact roadside assistance if your car breaks down too. But again, only iPhone 15 buyers get the standard two free years starting next year.
So in short, current iPhone 14 owners now have four years of free access to the lifesaving Emergency SOS satellite feature instead of just two. Apple is giving us more time before we have to start paying. This should put many people’s minds at ease in case they need emergency help while out of coverage for a little while longer.
