Google Pixel 9 Could Offer 2 Years of Free Satellite SOS Service Like Apple: Report

The Google Pixel 9 series is expected to launch globally and in India on August 13. Previous reports have indicated that with its upcoming flagship smartphone lineup, Google could offer a Satellite SOS service with features similar to Apple’s. A teardown of the latest Android 15 beta update now suggests that the tech conglomerate could offer up to two years of free Pixel Satellite SOS for Pixel devices, matching the free service period offered by Apple.

Free SOS service via Pixel satellite

In a report, Android Authority, in collaboration with tipster AssembleDebug, has taken down the latest Android 15 Beta 4 update that was released last week. Strings discovered in the update’s code suggest that Google could include an emergency satellite connectivity feature dubbed “Pixel Satellite SOS.”

The feature reportedly has a footer suggesting that when a user connects to satellite emergency services, their information, including name, email address, phone number, location, emergency contact, and device details, is shared with “emergency services and satellite service providers.”

Additionally, the discovered strings also suggest that Google may be offering the Pixel Satellite SOS service for free for a period of two years. Another text included in the footer reportedly states: “Satellite SOS service is included free for {two} years.” This duration corresponds to the two years of the Satellite Emergency SOS service that Apple provides to users of iPhone 14 and later models.

In another discovery, it is suggested that Pixel devices could be updated to support satellite SOS. Given that the Google Pixel 9 series is expected to run Android 15 upon release, it is assumed that older Pixel models will receive an update that supports satellite emergency communication.

The presence of this feature was first announced in March by tipster Mishaal Rahman. An update to the Adaptive Connectivity Services app reportedly introduced a SOS by satellite* settings page under the Security and emergency Tab. It is planned to include information on how it works, customizing the information shared with emergency service providers, and even a link to purchase Garmin Search & Rescue insurance.