- Satellite connectivity is coming to the Galaxy S26 series
- This is rolling out in North America, Europe and Japan
- Samsung is ending partnerships with carrier networks
iPhones have it, Pixel phones have it, and now Galaxy phones have the feature, too: Samsung has confirmed that the shiny new Galaxy S26 phones unveiled earlier this week can connect to satellite networks for emergency communications.
During the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked launch event itself, it wasn’t clear whether the long-rumored upgrade would arrive with the Galaxy S26 series, but Samsung has now confirmed that its new phones can connect to satellites.
According to Samsung’s press release, the functionality will be available “through ongoing partnerships” in North America, Europe and Japan. However, satellite support will be rolled out in phases, based on “network availability and regulatory requirements” – so you may not get it right away.
Satellite access has previously been available on select Galaxy phones for select apps in select regions, but this is a much more extensive rollout. However, it remains to be seen if it will eventually reach older Samsung phones.
Partnerships in place
In the US, Samsung says satellite connectivity partnerships are already in place with T-Mobile and Verizon, and that it is “working” on a deal with AT&T. Similar agreements are being concluded in Europe and Japan.
“As satellite connectivity becomes an important part of the mobile landscape, we are committed to ensuring Galaxy users have reliable access to communications, especially when they need it most,” said Samsung President Won-Joon Choi.
It’s still early days—these phones aren’t even in consumers’ hands yet—but presumably it’ll work the same way it already does on Google and Apple phones: If you’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi networks, you’ll be able to send emergency communications via a satellite network.
We’ll keep you updated on when this will be available to everyone and how you can access it. Samsung also notes that availability “may vary depending on OS/One UI version,” so you may need to have the latest software installed for this to work.
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