iOS 26 may let iPhone users check the weather even when there’s no service

Macworld

With iPhone 14, Apple introduced satellite capabilities that let users call emergency services when there is no Wi-Fi or cellular connection available. Over time, the technology also enabled users to send and receive iMessages and even share their location via satellite.

With iOS 26, which was announced by Apple at WWDC 2025, Apple seemingly plans to take the iPhone’s satellite capabilities even further, adding weather forecast updates. Although this feature wasn’t part of the WWDC 2025 opening keynote and isn’t live yet in the beta, Macworld found evidence of its existence in the iOS 26 code, which is now available to developers.

According to code strings, the system will let users receive “Weather Updates via Satellite” when Wi-Fi and cellular connections are not available. The feature will be extremely useful for people practicing extreme weather-dependent activities such as hiking and climbing in remote areas where cellular coverage is not available. 

Similar to other satellite-based features, the user will presumably need to point their iPhone at the sky until it connects to the satellite network. Then the system would update the weather forecast information and show useful alerts for that location similar to have it works for calls and messages. It’s unclear whether the feature will work for all compatible satellite iPhones or whether it will be exclusive to certain models.

The iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite is considered a life-saving feature by many people. There are multiple reports of people who have only been able to call for help in dangerous situations thanks to the technology. According to a Bloomberg report, the company also wants to add satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra this year.

Apple said in 2022 that satellite features would be free for two years for those who bought a new iPhone 14. However, the company never discussed its plans to charge for these features again. It’s worth noting that coverage is limited to specific countries.

As for iOS 26, the update will be released to the public this fall. A public beta of iOS 26 will be available next month. Find out how the new iOS compares with the current version in our comparison of iOS 26 vs iOS 18: What’s different, what’s new, and should you update?