Google has revealed that the upcoming Pixel 10 series will be the first to support WhatsApp voice and video calls via satellite, significantly broadening the scope of satellite features beyond emergencies. This pivotal update is scheduled for August 28, coinciding with the phone’s launch.
The announcement, delivered through Google’s official X account, highlights a collaboration between Google and Meta’s WhatsApp to extend satellite calling to areas lacking cellular infrastructure. This moves beyond current emergency-only satellite messaging on smartphones, transforming satellite connectivity into a useful communication medium.
This advancement positions Google ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, which introduced satellite messaging earlier this year but is restricted to text via select carriers.
Important stipulations accompany the service. The fine print states that satellite WhatsApp calling will be “limited to participating carriers and additional charges may apply.” Users require a clear sky view, and the service might experience delays compared to cellular networks.
Google Messages will likely maintain exclusive access to satellite messaging, with WhatsApp calls functioning as a separate data-driven satellite capability. This WhatsApp calling announcement follows Google’s previous statement that Pixel 10 devices will have early access to T-Mobile’s satellite data services. T-Mobile confirmed that Pixel 10 users can use Google Maps, Google Messages, and Find Hub via satellite starting August 28, before the October 1 rollout for other devices. This enhanced satellite functionality could help WhatsApp increase its user base in the U.S., where it competes with iMessage. The partnership demonstrates both companies’ aim to establish satellite connectivity as a mainstream feature, not just an emergency one.
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