The gap between Android and iPhone has narrowed considerably, with both operating systems and their devices offering similar features and experiences. While Google is often seen as following rather than leading in this space, it recently unveiled a remarkable new feature that is actually coming to Android first, potentially in the near future.
Google is trying to align Android with the iPhone as much as possible, as the two dominant smartphone platforms compete for users. In its ongoing efforts, Google is strengthening Android security, integrating WhatsApp calls into its phone dialer, and even including Apple passes in its wallet. With its latest update, Google not only matches the iPhone’s existing feature, but significantly surpasses it, unexpectedly surpassing Apple in this aspect.
Android 15 for SOS service 
Forbes previously covered Google’s initiative to include emergency satellite service as a new feature. With this move, Android will match the satellite SOS function that Apple has been offering on its iPhone for several years. Google’s implementation appears to include Garmin’s pre-built rescue service in its plan, which is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and security of its extensive user base.
The problem with Apple’s Emergency SOS feature is its limited scope—it was designed specifically for emergencies. For those of us who don’t climb mountains or sail oceans, it displays an SOS indicator on the screen when we’re offline, but it’s a function that many people never actually use.
With the recent release of the Android 15 Developer Preview, Google appears to be closing the gap by offering users the chance to expand their cellular plans to include the satellite add-on. In addition, basic messaging apps will be able to use this satellite network, effectively eliminating mobile black spots and preventing users from falling into connectivity black holes.
Does satellite service work on Android 15 devices? 
Mishaal Rahman noted that “Android 15 DP2 introduces certain UI elements to maintain a consistent user experience on satellite-enabled devices. Furthermore, the update improves platform compatibility for satellite connectivity by introducing a new API that allows apps to recognize when a device is connecting to a satellite. Additionally, Android 15 allows SMS/MMS/RCS apps to use a satellite connection to send and receive messages.”
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A significant advance lies in the fact that certain networks intend to incorporate LEO satellite connectivity as a subscription option. This is an improvement over initial expectations, when Google prematurely introduced the “Satellite SOS” feature on Pixel phones, positioned alongside Collision Detection and Emergency SOS.
Apple’s satellite connectivity still has relative limitations. “With iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro,” the description reads, “you can connect your iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, call for roadside assistance, and share your location with friends and family — all without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.”
We were hoping Android might take it a step further, with earlier beta code hinting at a satellite messaging option in collaboration with T-Mobile. The possibilities of what this could bring hit the headlines when Elon Musk announced that SpaceX had achieved download speeds of 17 Mbps on an unmodified Galaxy S21 Ultra.
How will satellite service work on Android 15? 
As reported by SamMobile after the Samsung test, the device would not need any special hardware to connect to the satellite. Therefore, even in areas without conventional mobile network coverage nearby, the smartphone can make or receive calls and messages by connecting directly to the satellite. Starlink has been testing such a service and it looks like we could be using it in the coming months.
This foreshadows a future where satellite connectivity directly to the phone will become more common and convenient. For now, the messaging integration is a big step forward. It looks like this feature is confirmed to be coming to Android 15, barring any major changes. As Android and iPhone converge, this seems to be an example of Google taking the lead and Apple likely to follow suit. This news comes not long after the revelation that Gemini could be coming to the iPhone and amid Apple’s claims about a DOJ lawsuit potentially turning the iPhone into Android, making this a pretty eventful week.