Samsung confirms that the Galaxy S26 series is bringing satellite communications to users globally — here's how it could work

• Satellite connectivity is coming to the Galaxy S26 series
• This rolling out across North America, Europe, and Japan
• Samsung is finalizing partnerships with carrier networks

iPhones have it, Pixel phones have it, and now Galaxy phones have the feature too: Samsung has confirmed that the shiny new Galaxy S26 handsets that were unveiled earlier this week can connect to satellite networks for emergency communications.

During the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked launch event itself, it wasn't clear whether or not the long-rumored upgrade would be arriving with the Galaxy S26 series, but Samsung has now confirmed that its new phones can connect to satellites.

As per Samsung's press release, the functionality is going to be available "through ongoing partnerships" in North America, Europe, and Japan. However, satellite support will be rolling out in phases, based on "network availability and regulatory requirements" – so you might not get it straight away.

Satellite access has previously been available on select Galaxy phones for select apps in select regions, but this is a much more comprehensive rollout. It remains to be seen whether it will eventually reach older Samsung handsets, however.

Partnerships in place

In the US, Samsung says satellite connectivity partnerships are already in place with T-Mobile and Verizon, and that it's "working" on a deal with AT&T. Similar agreements are in the process of being made across Europe and Japan.

"As satellite connectivity becomes an important part of the mobile landscape, we are committed to ensuring Galaxy users have reliable access to communication, especially when they need it most," says Samsung President Won-Joon Choi.

It's still early days – these phones aren't even in consumers' hands yet – but presumably this is going to work in a similar way to how it already does on Google and Apple phones: if you're outside cellular and Wi-Fi networks, you'll be able to send emergency communications over a satellite network.

We'll keep you updated on when this appears for everyone and how you can access it. Samsung also notes that availability "may vary depending on the OS/One UI version", so you might need the latest software installed for this to work.

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