Apple faces mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists to activate satellite-based messaging services for its users in Iran. Amid widespread internet blackouts and severe communication restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime, enabling this feature on iPhones could offer a vital lifeline for protestors to connect with the outside world and document ongoing events, as highlighted by groups like Amnesty International.
The escalating situation in Iran has seen satellite technology emerge as one of the few avenues for citizens to bypass total internet shutdowns. While companies like SpaceX have begun providing free access to Starlink, calls are intensifying for Apple, a dominant phone brand in the region, to deploy its own satellite capabilities, particularly its messaging features.
This urgency stems from reports of brutal civilian killings during nationwide blackouts, making immediate and secure communication paramount. Activists argue that without reliable channels, the ability to report atrocities and organize safely is severely hampered, placing lives at greater risk.
Congressional and activist calls for Apple’s intervention
The push for Apple’s involvement has reached Capitol Hill. Representative Buddy Carter, a Republican from Georgia, confirmed to Fast Company on January 16, 2026, that his office had directly contacted Apple regarding the activation of satellite messaging in Iran. Carter publicly urged the company to empower Iranian iPhone users to communicate with family and report human rights abuses committed by the regime.
Beyond legislative efforts, prominent social media activists have amplified these demands. One viral post, garnering nearly half a million views on X (formerly Twitter), explicitly called upon Apple to enable satellite messaging for Iranian users, highlighting the critical need for communication during the ongoing crackdown and civilian deaths.
The post emphasized: “Communication is a lifeline. Lives depend on it.” These pleas underscore the widespread belief that Apple possesses a unique capability to mitigate the severe information blockade, potentially altering the dynamics of the protests and international awareness.
Technical hurdles and Apple’s current satellite capabilities
Despite the fervent appeals, the immediate feasibility of Apple unilaterally enabling satellite messaging for Iranian protestors remains unclear. Apple’s satellite-based texting feature, which allows iPhone users to send messages without Wi-Fi or cellular service, is currently limited to specific regions like the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, requiring an iPhone 14 or newer model, as detailed on Apple’s support pages.
This service, supported by satellite telecommunications company Globalstar, is primarily designed for emergency situations, known as Emergency SOS. While iPhones are widely used in Iran, especially newer models following recent lifted import restrictions, the geographical restriction presents a significant technical and logistical challenge for immediate deployment.
Apple has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding these demands, nor has Globalstar. This silence leaves open questions about whether a technical override or an accelerated rollout of services to Iran is even possible, or if other factors, such as regulatory complexities or political considerations, are at play.
The growing calls for Apple to support Iranian protestors with satellite communication highlight the evolving role of technology companies in global human rights crises. As digital authoritarianism tightens its grip, the expectation for tech giants to leverage their innovations for humanitarian causes will likely only increase, pushing the boundaries of corporate responsibility beyond traditional market concerns.
