Satellite connectivity is slowly becoming a standard feature on smartphones, offering users a way to stay connected even in remote areas without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. This technology allows users to send emergency SOS messages or share their location through satellites, eliminating the need for traditional network coverage. Apple introduced this feature with the iPhone 14, and some Android models from companies like Huawei, Samsung, and Google have followed suit. However, satellite connectivity is not yet widely available on Android devices in all regions. The latest iPhone models support Emergency SOS via satellite since iOS 16, and regular satellite messaging (like iMessage and SMS) was added with iOS 18. These messaging features are available in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico, but not in France. However, satellite emergency calls are available in mainland France and its overseas departments. To use the satellite function, users need to be in an area without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage and have an unobstructed view of the sky. Obstacles like buildings or dense forests can interfere with the connection. The satellite service is currently free for at least two years from the activation date of compatible iPhones, with Apple extending this period until September 2026 for the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models. The company has not yet announced pricing after the free period ends. To activate the satellite SOS feature, users should first attempt a regular emergency call. If that fails, the phone will offer a satellite option, guiding the user to point the device toward the sky and answer a few questions. The phone then sends the information to emergency services via satellite, a process that can take between 15 seconds and one minute, depending on weather conditions. On the Android side, satellite connectivity is still evolving. The Galaxy S25 series, released in February 2025, includes a Qualcomm X80 5G NTN chip that supports satellite communication, but this feature is only available in the United States through Verizon and its Skylo satellite service. In Europe, the feature remains inactive due to a lack of partnerships with local carriers. However, Orange in France has launched a public satellite SMS service called "Message Satellite" in partnership with Skylo, available to Pixel 9, Pixel 10, and Pixel 11 models and 5G subscribers. This service allows sending and receiving SMS and location data outside of mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, with a free trial period of six months followed by a monthly fee of 5 euros. While satellite communication is still in its early stages, some Android models like the Cat S75 offer SMS via satellite, though they remain niche products. Apple has expanded satellite messaging to regular communication with iOS 18, but this feature is still limited to a few countries outside of Europe. On the Android side, Qualcomm discontinued its satellite project in late 2023 due to low manufacturer adoption, while Google has integrated satellite emergency messages into its Pixel 9 and 10 models. Despite these advancements, the technology is not yet fully mature, and carrying a physical map may still be a good idea when venturing into remote areas.