[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple is offering older iPhone users an additional year of free satellite connectivity. At the same time, it limited advanced new camera features added to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo to the latest models, sharpening differences in capabilities between models.

On Sept. 10 (local time), IT outlet TechRadar reported that Apple decided to extend by 1 year the free period for satellite connectivity for users of the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series.

Apple first introduced satellite-based features when it launched the iPhone 14 series in 2022. It said at the time the features would be free for 2 years, but it has since repeatedly extended the free period for eligible devices including the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. With the latest extension, users of those devices will be able to use satellite features for at least 1 more year at no additional cost.

The features include satellite-based emergency SOS, satellite messaging, satellite-based Find My and satellite-based roadside assistance. Apple did not disclose whether it will switch to a paid model after the free period ends or provide detailed pricing.

While Apple continues to provide satellite features to older iPhone users, new camera features are focused on the latest products. The third-generation Photographic Styles and Pro Controls features unveiled at the event can be used only on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo. Earlier models, including the iPhone 17 series, are excluded.

Pro Controls allows users to adjust white balance, manually set aperture and shutter speed, and view a histogram. The third-generation Photographic Styles also advances beyond the existing preset- and filter-centered features. The functions have been enhanced to allow finer control over elements such as grain and texture. It can be useful for users who place importance on photography, but it cannot be used on existing flagship models.

After the event, social media also saw reactions to the device restrictions. As the fact that the new camera features are limited to currently released latest iPhones was shared, complaints from users who bought earlier high-priced models continued.

In particular, some users were reported to have responded that the new camera features do not necessarily require the latest hardware. They cited that the features they expected could be provided through a software update were instead tied to new products only.

Apple's latest policy shows it is taking different strategies by feature. It concentrates advanced features that directly connect to product differentiation, such as the camera, on the latest iPhones to encourage purchases of new devices, while continuing to provide features with strong safety and practical value, such as satellite connectivity, to existing users.

TechRadar assessed that Apple is limiting its new Photographic Styles and Pro Controls features to the latest devices, but is allowing existing users to continue using more important satellite-based tools without an expensive device upgrade.

As a result, changes felt by older iPhone users are expected to diverge for now between connectivity and the camera. iPhone 14 to 16 users can use satellite features for free for 1 more year, but they would need to switch to supported devices such as the iPhone 18 Pro lineup or iPhone Duo to use the latest camera features.