Apple introduced satellite SOS connectivity to its phones with the iPhone 14 in 2022, but despite many rumors, it is not yet available on Android. Now it looks like the feature could appear on Google Pixel phones in the near future.
If you're not familiar with emergency SOS satellite messaging, it allows you to get help even when you don't have an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection. He is already credited with saving the lives of people who were stranded far from home.
As spotted by 9to5Google, an “SOS Satellite” option has started appearing in the Security & Emergency section of Pixel phones' settings. We have been able to see it with our own eyes on a Google Pixel 8.
Right now, tapping the option doesn't actually do anything. It appears that Google has rolled out the feature before it was ready, but preparations are clearly being made to add satellite connectivity to the Pixel series at some point.
Hidden screens
The 9to5Google team was able to dig a little deeper and find more screens related to the Satellite SOS feature. Garmin, a company previously rumored to be helping Google with satellite connectivity, is mentioned.
“With your Pixel, you can send messages to emergency services and share your location when you can't connect to a mobile network or Wi-Fi,” reads the text on one of the pages that 9to5Google was able to discover in the Pixel code. .
While this has been spotted on Pixel phones, it's entirely possible that it will reach other Android devices as well. We expected both the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S24 to have this feature, although it hasn't appeared yet.
It's not just a flip of a switch, either: satellite connectivity needs a chipset and antennas to support it, and it's unclear whether the latest Pixel or Galaxy S phones have the necessary hardware. It could be something that has been reserved for the Google Pixel 9.
