Samsung appears to be on the verge of adding satellite communication to its Galaxy smartphone lineup. Android Authority discovered code strings in mobile apps suggesting that Samsung Galaxy phones might soon receive this much-anticipated upgrade.
The discovery includes references to “satellite mode” and “emergency texts via satellite” within Samsung’s Emergency SOS, Messages, and Phone apps. This indicates that Samsung is preparing to join the satellite connectivity race, initially led by Apple. However, the exact release date and compatible phone models remain unclear.
Key Findings:
Emergency SOS App:
<string name="satelliteText">Emergency texts via satellite</string>
<string name="satelliteHeading">If you call emergency services when you’re out of range or not connected to a mobile network, we’ll connect you via satellite so you can send an emergency text</string>Samsung Messages App:
<string name="satellite_network_mode_title">Satellite mode not supported</string>
<string name="samsung_message_do_not_provide_satellite_network_mode">Samsung Messages doesn't support satellite messaging. To send and receive texts via satellite, you need to make Google Messages your default messaging app.</string>Phone App:
<string name="sat_mode_inline_cue_text">You're in satellite mode. You can send text messages, including to 911. Emergency calls may still connect if a mobile network is available near you.</string>
<string name="sat_mode_send_message">Send message</string>
<string name="sat_mode_waring_dialog_message">You can send and receive text messages in Satellite mode. Emergency calls may still connect if a mobile network is available near you.</string>Expected Release
According to Android Authority, this feature might debut with the Android 15 operating system. However, integrating it into Samsung’s One UI 7 interface could take longer.
Samsung’s Vision
Rumors of Samsung introducing satellite communication have circulated since Apple launched it with the iPhone 14. Samsung executive Park Yong-in even promised two-way satellite connectivity for Galaxy phones in 2024, although it is still missing from the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. There is potential for a software update to enable satellite connectivity on these devices. Unlike Apple’s emergency-only focus, Samsung’s satellite connectivity is expected to support messaging through any app.
Broader Implications
Google Pixel phones have also shown signs of satellite connectivity, suggesting that this feature could soon be standard across Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy models. This collective evidence points to the imminent availability of satellite messaging for Android phones in the coming months.