Do iPhones Have Satellite Calling and How Does It Work

iPhones do have satellite calling, but it's not a standard feature for all users. In 2022, Apple announced a partnership with Globalstar to enable satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14 series.

This feature uses a combination of satellite and cellular networks to make calls and send texts in areas with no cellular coverage. The iPhone's satellite antenna is designed to communicate with satellites in low Earth orbit.

While this technology is a game-changer for emergency situations, it's not a replacement for traditional cellular networks. The satellite signal can be affected by weather conditions and the user's location.

To use satellite calling on your iPhone, you'll need to have the iPhone 14 series and a compatible plan that includes satellite connectivity.

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You can use a satellite connection on your iPhone to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location when you have no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This feature is available on iPhone 14 or later models.

The availability of Apple satellite features depends on your country or region, so it's worth checking the Apple website for more information.

There are four main features that use satellite connectivity: Emergency SOS via satellite, Roadside Assistance via satellite, Messages via satellite, and Find My via satellite. Here's a brief overview of each:

It's worth noting that satellite connectivity for Apple satellite features isn't offered on iPhone models purchased in certain countries, including Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

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Apple is offering Emergency SOS via satellite at no extra charge for two years with the activation of any iPhone 14 model.

The company hasn't said what it might cost after that, leaving customers to wonder if it will eventually become a paid feature.

Garmin charges a $15 monthly subscription fee for satellite connectivity on its inReach devices, but customers get more than just basic emergency services for that price.

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Apple is including Emergency SOS via satellite for free for two years with the activation of any iPhone 14 model.

The company hasn't said what it might cost after that, leaving investors and customers wondering what the future holds.

Garmin charges a $15 monthly subscription fee for satellite connectivity on its inReach devices, but its customers get more than just basic emergency services for that price.

Apple's investors will likely expect the company to start making money off these communication features eventually.

Rather than charging for the basic Emergency SOS features, Apple could come up with a bundle of more advanced features to entice customers to opt for a paid tier.

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Emergency SOS via satellite is available in select European countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, and the U.K.

The rollout has been a bit slow, but Europeans outside of these countries can expect to hear more about the feature in 2023.

Apple doesn't specifically mention which countries will be getting support next year, but it's likely to expand further in the year to come.

The company considers Emergency SOS via satellite to be a crucial feature, which suggests that the expansion will be significant.

To use satellite connectivity on your iPhone, you need to have compatible software, which is included for free for two years with the activation of an iPhone 14 or later. Update to the latest version of iOS before heading to an area with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

You can access satellite features through the Connection Assistant, which helps you connect to a satellite when you're in a dead zone. To use Connection Assistant, open Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of your iPhone and tap the Cellular button on the right. Tap Satellite, then choose a satellite feature.

Alternatively, you can access satellite features in the Settings app by opening Settings and tapping Satellite. Choose a satellite feature to use.

Before connecting to a satellite, make sure you're outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon. Avoid areas with dense foliage, hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures, as they can block the connection.

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To connect to a satellite, hold your iPhone naturally in your hand and follow the onscreen instructions provided by your iPhone. The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.

Here's a summary of the steps to connect to a satellite:

Remember, satellite connectivity might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Alaska.

Want to test the waters before committing to satellite calling on your iPhone? You can try the Satellite Connection Demo to get a feel for how it works.

To access the demo, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky, and trees with light foliage won't slow you down, but dense foliage might block the connection.

The demo requires Location Services to be turned on for Satellite Connection, so make sure that's enabled.

To open Control Center, swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone, then tap the Cellular button on the right.

Tap Satellite, then tap Try Demo: to get started.

You can also access the demo directly through the Settings app, either by going to Emergency SOS or Messages.

The Emergency SOS via satellite demo does not call emergency services, so don't worry about that.

To use the demo, make sure you're in a country or region where satellite features are available.

Here are the steps to access the demo:

Alternatively, you can access the demo through the Settings app:

Apple's satellite connectivity will no longer just be exclusive to the Emergency SOS function. It'll soon expand to iMessage, enabling users to send texts in cellular dead zones.

The upcoming feature, slated for iOS 18, beams iMessage data to orbiting satellites rather than traditional cell towers. The only requirement is that you have a clear view of the sky.

Messages exchanged with fellow iPhone owners will be in iMessage format. Messages exchanged with Android users will use traditional SMS.

To use Messages via Satellite, open the Messages app on your iPhone. Assuming cellular and Wi-Fi coverage are down, you'll be prompted to use Messages via Satellite instead.

Messages sent via satellite will have the same end-to-end encryption as typical iMessages.

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Emergency SOS via satellite is available in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as in France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK as of December 2022.

You can use it from anywhere in these countries, but keep in mind that it's not available in Guam or American Samoa. If you're an international traveler visiting these countries, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite as long as your iPhone 14 supports it.

Emergency SOS via satellite might not work in extreme northern locations - those above 62 degrees north, which encompasses most of Canada's three northern territories and much of Alaska.

Emergency SOS via satellite will be available later this month, presumably as part of the iOS 16.2 update currently in beta.

This feature was initially expected to arrive in November 2022, but it's now been confirmed for a later release.

Apple first announced that Emergency SOS via satellite would be available in an iOS 16 software update.

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Emergency SOS via satellite is available in select European countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, and the U.K. This feature has had a slow rollout, but more countries can expect to be added in 2023.

You can use Emergency SOS via satellite in the U.S. and Canada, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, it's not available in Guam or American Samoa.

International travelers who visit the U.S., Canada, and select European countries can use Emergency SOS via satellite as long as their iPhone 14 supports it. Unfortunately, those purchased in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao are excluded.

Emergency SOS via satellite might not work in extreme northern locations – those above 62 degrees north. This area encompasses most of Canada's three northern territories and much of Alaska.

In an emergency, you can summon help via satellite with your iPhone, but it's not available on iPhone 14 models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.

This feature is designed to get you help as quickly as possible, so you don't have to carry on a back-and-forth conversation that could take a couple of minutes per message.

Your iPhone will provide guidance to help you point your iPhone in the right direction to pick up an emergency satellite and lock in on it.

You'll then answer a series of multiple-choice questions to quickly describe your situation and provide emergency responders with crucial information.

Your iPhone will send these responses in the first message along with your Medical ID and emergency contact information, your location and elevation, and remaining battery life.

Once you've sent that initial request for help, emergency responders may ask you for more information via standard text messages, but the important thing is that they'll have everything they need to get started on rescue efforts.

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In an emergency, you can summon help via satellite on an iPhone by following a guided process that helps you quickly establish a connection with emergency responders.

Your iPhone will provide guidance to help point you in the right direction to pick up an emergency satellite and lock in on it while also keeping your iPhone properly oriented during the emergency session.

You'll be asked to answer a series of multiple-choice questions to quickly describe your situation and provide emergency responders with crucial information.

Your iPhone will send these responses in the first message along with your Medical ID and emergency contact information, your location and elevation, and remaining battery life.

This initial message is designed to give emergency responders everything they need to get started on rescue efforts.