As leaks around Samsung’s next flagship lineup gather pace, new regulatory filings point to a major connectivity upgrade coming to the Galaxy S26 series. According to recent FCC certifications, Samsung’s upcoming phones appear to support satellite-based communication standards, potentially enabling satellite texting, emergency calls, and SOS features for the first time on Galaxy devices.
The FCC listings cover the full Galaxy S26 lineup and indicate compatibility with multiple standards linked to satellite communication. Each device is listed under its respective FCC ID and, alongside confirmation that the phones will run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, the filings reference support for satellite-related protocols. While FCC documents typically avoid user-facing feature descriptions, the technical details strongly suggest that satellite connectivity is part of Samsung’s plans for the series.
More specifically, the certifications mention support for Supplemental Coverage from Space and Non-Terrestrial Networks. These two technologies are designed to extend connectivity beyond traditional cellular infrastructure by integrating satellite networks in areas where mobile coverage is weak or unavailable. In practical terms, this would allow Galaxy S26 users to send messages or request emergency help even when they are outside standard network range.
If this functionality ships as expected, Samsung would be joining Google and Apple, both of which have already rolled out satellite-based safety features. Google introduced satellite SOS and emergency texting with the Pixel 9 lineup, positioning it as a safety net for users in remote locations. Apple, meanwhile, has offered satellite emergency features on iPhones since the iPhone 14, steadily expanding regional availability over time.
According to the source cited alongside the FCC filings, Samsung is expected to rely on Skylo as its Non-Terrestrial Network provider. Skylo already works with Google to deliver satellite-based emergency coverage when devices lose access to traditional networks. If Samsung follows a similar model, satellite connectivity on the Galaxy S26 may initially be limited to emergency use cases rather than full messaging or calling, at least at launch.
There are also likely to be regional restrictions. Satellite features often depend on regulatory approval and partner availability, and early implementations are frequently limited to markets such as the US. It remains unclear whether Samsung plans a global rollout or a more cautious, country-by-country approach.
At this stage, details about how the feature would work in real-world use are still scarce. FCC filings provide confirmation of hardware and protocol support but do not reveal whether satellite communication will be free, subscription-based, or bundled with specific services. That uncertainty mirrors the early days of Apple’s and Google’s satellite offerings, which also launched with limited information and gradual expansion.
Satellite connectivity is not the only upgrade tipped for the Galaxy S26 series. Recent reports suggest Samsung is also planning to introduce 25W wireless charging across the lineup. However, this may fall short of full Qi2 compatibility, with no built-in magnets for snap-on accessories. Additionally, Samsung is expected to upgrade the base Galaxy S26 model to 256GB of storage, moving away from the long-criticised 128GB starting point that some rivals, including Google, have continued to use.
Taken together, these changes point to a more substantial generational update than usual. If satellite SOS and texting make it to the final product, the Galaxy S26 could mark Samsung’s most meaningful step yet toward matching its Android and iOS rivals on safety-focused connectivity features.
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