Samsung is on the verge of integrating satellite communication into its Galaxy smartphone series. Android Authority has uncovered code snippets in mobile applications that strongly indicate this forthcoming feature.
Specifically, references to “satellite mode” and “emergency texts via satellite” were identified in Samsung’s Emergency SOS, Messages, and Phone applications. This suggests that Samsung is gearing up to join the satellite connectivity trend initiated by Apple. However, the exact release date and the phone models that will support this feature remain unknown.
Code in 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>
Code in 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>
Code in 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>
According to Android Authority, this feature might be launched with the Android 15 operating system, although its integration into Samsung’s One UI 7 interface might take some additional time.
The addition of satellite communication in Samsung phones has been anticipated since Apple introduced it with the iPhone 14. Samsung executive Park Yong-in had promised two-way satellite connectivity for Galaxy phones by 2024, but it is still not present in the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 models. There is a possibility that a software update could activate satellite connectivity on these devices.
Unlike Apple, which limits the feature to emergency messaging, Samsung’s satellite connectivity is rumored to extend beyond emergencies, allowing users to send messages through any application.
Interestingly, Google Pixel phones have also demonstrated signs of satellite connectivity, although this feature is currently active for Pixel devices. This collective evidence indicates that satellite messaging for Android phones, including Galaxy models, could become available in the near future.
