Google’s Pixel 10 series is set to break new ground: starting August 28, 2025, users will be able to make WhatsApp voice and video calls via satellite, marking the first time this functionality is available outside emergency scenarios.
What’s Changing
- Previously, satellite connections on smartphones were limited to SOS messaging and location sharing.
- With the Pixel 10, you’ll be able to make regular WhatsApp calls over a satellite link, allowing seamless communication without cell signal.
- Google demonstrated this capability via a video showing a Pixel device answering a WhatsApp call with the satellite icon visible.
Activation & Requirements
- The feature goes live on the launch date—August 28, when Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL hit the market.
- Users must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky for satellite connectivity.
- Availability may vary by carrier, and additional charges might apply—a reminder that satellite services often come with usage terms.
A Broader Shift in Satellite Connectivity
This expansion into WhatsApp calling is part of Google’s broader push to mainstream satellite features beyond SOS:
- Pixel 10 also supports satellite-based live location sharing in apps like Google Maps and Find Hub.
- In collaboration with Skylo, Google is embedding satellite messaging and SOS support across Pixel devices and the new Pixel Watch 4.
- Pixel 10 devices are also compatible with T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service, enabling data-dependent apps to work via Starlink satellite when cellular networks are unavailable.
Why This Matters
- Practical off-grid calling: For outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, or anyone in remote areas—this is a functional leap from emergency-only communication.
- Competitive edge: Neither iPhones nor Samsung Galaxy phones currently offer WhatsApp satellite calling—this gives Pixel 10 a noteworthy advantage
- Future-ready: Google is moving toward making satellite communication regular and reliable for everyday use, not just emergencies.
