Recently, we have published several news of people who have saved their lives thanks to the function of Satellite calls and messages of the iPhone, which are very interesting, free (for the moment) and that do not require coverage to be able to perform them.
Today we will see what it is, how it works, and, above all, in which iPhone and countries models is available, so that, if you meet these requirements, you can prove it if you wish at this time, although it will only serve to send messages to emergencies, not to call directly, as we will see later.
What is the iPhone satellite connection?
The satellite connection allows the iPhone to communicate with low terrestrial orbit satellites when there is no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage available. It is not a connection to navigate online or make normal calls, but an emergency route that allows you to send help messages to emergency services or contact. Remember that you need connection with satellites, that is, it is ideal for a mountain excursion, where there is no telephony coverage, but it is seen clean towards the sky, which is where the satellites are located. You can't connect inside a cave.
What is this function for?
Mainly, the satellite function is designed to emergency situations. For example, if you suffer an accident on the mountain, in the middle of the desert or on a road without coverage, you can use the iPhone to send your location and a basic message to emergencies or your relatives, even if you have no signal.
In addition to contacting emergencies, Apple added the possibility of sharing your satellite location Through the search app, ideal for hikers or people who move through remote areas and are not able to say, precisely, the place where they are.
What iPhone models have satellite connection?
The function debuted with the iPhone 14 and has been available in all later models. That is, these models are compatible:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 pro max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 pro max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16E
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
It is logically expected that it also works on the iPhone 17 and later.
The function requires a specific hardware, so previous models cannot and cannot be updated to use it.
In which countries are you available?
Apple has been adding, little by little, countries to this list. Currently, iPhone's satellite connection is available in the following countries, although they could be incorporated more shortly:
- USA
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Spain (confirmed since 2024)
It is important to note that the function is only active when the iPhone is physically found in a compatible country. If you travel to a region where it is not enabled, it will not work, so it does not depend on where you buy it, but where you are.
Is it free or do you have to pay?
Although Apple announced that this function would be available only for the first 2 years since the purchase and activation of the iPhone, it has not yet pronounced in prices or what will happen in the near future, so we cannot guarantee anything, and although its intention is that it is paid, for now it is not.
How is it used in case of emergency?
If you don't have coverage, trying to call 112 or 911, the iPhone will offer you the option to use the Satellite emergency. The device will guide you step by step to aim the right satellite by moving the phone. Then you will answer a quick questionnaire (emergency type, location, if injured, etc.), and a compressed message will be sent to expedite the transmission. That is, if you want to try it, you just have to remove the SIM or put it in a plane mode, since, if you have coverage, it will not show you this option.
Is it worth it?
It will depend on the price that Apple puts at the service, but it can be very interesting, depending on your needs and routines. Even in the blackout suffered in Spain this 2025, many people, without coverage, managed to speak with emergency services thanks to this function, so you have not only to think about whether we are mountaineers or not, but there may be many situations where we are worth it.
Can I make calls?
The answer is clear, Nosatellite calls is something in evidence that, although it works in countries like the United States, is still in beta, and it is not something we have in Spain (and that we will take to see), so this satellite function only allows you to send messages, at least for now, and you will have to have hope that it is enough, since you will not be able to speak, by voice, with anyone.
