Apple gives older iPhone owners a free satellite connectivity bonus but inexplicably locks them out of the iPhone 18 Pros new camera controls

Date:
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:23:43 +0000

Description:
Apple is locking some features behind its latest iPhones while extending free coverage for others.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Apples announced new Pro controls and Photographic Styles for iPhone Theyre limited to the new iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro and series But Apple is extending its free satellite coverage for older iPhones I take a lot of photos on my iPhone, so watching Apple s iPhone Duo event yesterday, I was naturally intrigued by the news of fresh Photographic Styles and the introduction of Pro controls, both of which give you more power over your smartphone images. But it now looks like theres a serious catch that wasnt apparent at the time of the event.

In the hours since newly instated Apple CEO John Ternus wound down his
keynote speech, iPhone fans have taken to social media to point out that both Pro controls and the third-generation Photographic Styles are limited to the current batch of iPhones . Specifically, youll only be able to access them if you have an iPhone 18 Pro , iPhone 18 Pro Max or an iPhone Duo . Users of
last years iPhone 17 series or anything released before that will be shut out of the new features. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

And thats a shame, because they look like they could be a real boon for photography enthusiasts. Pro controls include useful tools to adjust white balance, manually tweak aperture and shutter speeds, consult histograms, and more. Photographic Styles , meanwhile, are handy presets and filters you can apply to your images and now come with precise controls for grain and
texture. But if you dont have one of the latest iPhones, theyll be out of reach. Extended satellite coverage (Image credit: Apple) Despite this disappointing development, it wasnt all bad news for owners of older iPhones. After the event, it emerged that Apple has quietly extended its free
satellite connectivity features for another year, and that applies all the
way back to the iPhone 14. You may like iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 18 Pro: 5 key differences between Apple's best Why the iPhone 18 Pros variable aperture is its biggest camera upgrade, by a pro photographer I just tried the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple gave me two reasons to upgrade

Specifically, youll get another year of satellite coverage if you have any device from the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 ranges, despite the fact that this deal was meant to have expired for these devices. Apple originally launched its satellite features for the iPhone 14 in 2022 and said that product would get two years of coverage, but has instead repeatedly extended its free terms for the iPhone 14 as well as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16.

This extension applies to features including Emergency SOS via satellite , Messages via satellite , Find My via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite . Theres no news regarding how much Apple might charge if it ever decides to end its free coverage, but now thats not something youll have to worry about for at least another year. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

With these features remaining free for the time being, owners of older
iPhones have been granted a little ray of tech sunshine. Apple might be gatekeeping new Photographic Styles and Pro controls behind its latest devices, but the arguably more important satellite tools still wont require a pricey upgrade. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Todays
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/apple-gives-older-iphone-owners-a-free -satellite-connectivity-bonus-but-inexplicably-locks-them-out-of-the-iphone-18 -pros-new-camera-controls


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