Android and iPhone have never been so close, with little difference between the operating systems and their terminals. Overall, Google seems to be following rather than leading, but it just beat Apple at its own game, with a surprising new feature that's coming to Android first and could be just around the corner.
Google is on a mission to make Android more like iPhone, as the world's two major smartphone ecosystems fight for users. We recently saw Google improve Android security, include WhatsApp calls in its dialer, and even add Apple Passes to its wallet.
Now, this latest update not only matches an existing feature on the iPhone, but goes much further, surprisingly beating Apple at its own game.
I already reported on Google's push to include satellite emergency service as a new feature, which will see Android finally match the satellite SOS functionality that Apple had on its iPhone for a few years now. Google's offer even seems to include a ready-made Garmin rescue service in its plan. This is, without a doubt, a great step forward for the security of its large user base.
The problem with Apple's emergency SOS is that it only works for emergencies. For those of us who don't climb mountains or sail oceans, it puts an SOS tag on the screen when we're out of range, but it's something we never use.
Now, with the latest Android 15 developer preview, it looks like Google is bridging the gap, opening the door for users to expand their mobile accounts to include a satellite add-on, and allowing major messaging apps to use that satellite network. No more mobile phone black spots that leave users in a connectivity black hole.
According to Mishaal Rahman, "Android 15 DP2 adds some UI elements to ensure a 'consistent user experience' on devices that support satellite connectivity. The update also expands the platform's support for satellite connectivity by adding a "New API that apps can use to detect when a device is connected to a satellite. Android 15 also allows SMS/MMS/RCS apps to use satellite connectivity to send and receive messages."
That last part is the real news, and we know that some networks have plans to add LEO satellite connectivity as an account option. This is an improvement from what we first thought was coming, when Google (prematurely) updated the Pixel phones with a "Satellite SOS" feature slotted between Car Crash Detection and Emergency SOS.
Apple's satellite connectivity remains more limited. "With iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro," it says, "you can connect your iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, and share your location with friends and family. , all while you're off the grid with no mobile coverage or Wi-Fi."
We expected Android to go further, as previous beta code suggested a satellite messaging option in collaboration with T-Mobile. The potential of what this could mean made headlines when Elon Musk announced that SpaceX had achieved download speeds of 17 mbps with an unmodified Galaxy S21 Ultra.
As SamMobile reported following that Samsung test, the device "wouldn't need any special hardware to connect to a satellite." Thus, even when there is no conventional cellular network coverage nearby, a smartphone could make/receive calls and messages by connecting directly to a satellite. "Starlink has been testing this service and it looks like we will be able to use it in the coming months."
This points to a future where direct-to-phone satellite connectivity is more normal and usable, but in the meantime messaging integration is a great start.
That this is coming to Android 15 already seems confirmed, in the absence of a major change. And as Android and the iPhone get closer and closer, this seems to be an example of Google leading with (one hopes) Apple following. Hot on the heels of news that Gemini could be coming to the iPhone and Apple claiming the Justice Department lawsuit would turn the iPhone into Android, this was an interesting week.
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