Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, introduced with the iPhone 14 two years ago, has proven to be a vital lifeline in emergencies. Initially offered free for two years, with a potential subscription model afterward, Apple has extended the free period to November 2025. This feature has already demonstrably saved lives, enabling stranded hikers and those in critical situations to contact emergency services.
Person holding iPhone 14 with Emergency SOS via satellite notifications.
The question remains: will Apple implement a subscription fee after November 2025? This raises ethical concerns, given the life-saving potential of the service. Apple has expanded the feature beyond emergency calls to include roadside assistance and messaging, potentially justifying a charge for these added services. However, charging for access to emergency services raises serious moral questions.
Google’s Pixel devices offer similar emergency SOS functionality free of charge, and Samsung is anticipated to introduce comparable features with the One UI 7 update, also likely without a subscription fee.
This puts pressure on Apple. While the company has hinted at charging for the service, competitors offer similar features for free. The future pricing model for Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite remains uncertain, but it’s hoped the life-saving aspect of the technology will remain accessible to all.
