Minor blow for Garmin as Apple extends free satellite coverage
Since November 2023, Apple has continually extended free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for owners of iPhone 14 and newer.
As a footnote to yesterday’s iPhone 18 Pro press release, the company is extending free access for another year, now including existing iPhone 16 users.
As long as you bought the phone new and activated it in a qualifying country, you should never have been charged for the emergency satellite service.
From the press release:
When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features help iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to midnight PT on September 9. For satellite feature availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/105097.
The impact on Apple Watch Ultra
The first two generations of Watch Ultra have no satellite connection. Watch Ultra 3 has two free years of satellite service from the date of activation, so none of those periods have yet expired, and new buyers of Watch Ultra 4 get the same two-year free period.
The impact on Garmin
Garmin has a technically superior emergency subscription service called inReach. It has some free aspects, but it’s essentially a paid service.
True off-grid adventurers will likely stay with inReach, perhaps even taking an Apple iPhone on a ‘just in case’ basis, but the many people who occasionally stray off-grid to relatively benign areas just don’t need the inReach level of coverage in the majority of cases. Those are the people that Garmin may well lose forever.
Quick answers
Does the new Apple extension cover Apple Watch too?
No. The extension announced with the iPhone 18 Pro press release only covers iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 4 satellite features run on a separate policy: free for two years from activation on any new purchase.
How long is satellite access free on Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Two years from the date of activation, covering Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite. Apple hasn’t said what it will charge once that period ends.
Last Updated on 11 September 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro — I’ve just bought one.
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
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- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
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- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
