Smartphones Reach for the Skies: How Satellite Connectivity Is Revolutionizing Phones & Wearables
Apple’s iPhone 17 and Watch Ultra 3 add built-in satellite texting and location sharing, expanding on earlier SOS features using Globalstar’s network. Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro enabled two-way satellite messaging and voice calls in China in 2023. Samsung’s Galaxy S25, launched in 2025, offers satellite SOS texting via Verizon and Skylo. Garmin’s Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch supports two-way satellite messaging and SOS through Iridium.