The cost comparison between Huawei's satellite SMS feature and Apple's satellite messaging service reveals some key differences, particularly in their pricing models and usage limitations.
Huawei Satellite SMS Feature:
Huawei offers 30 free satellite SMS per month for users of its Mate 50 series smartphones. Once this limit is reached, there is speculation that the cost could be around 1 yuan (approximately 0.14 USD) per message, though this has not been officially confirmed by Huawei[1]. The feature currently supports one-way messaging, allowing users to send but not receive messages via satellite[1]. Huawei's approach focuses on providing a basic service with a potential low-cost extension for additional messages.
Apple's Satellite Messaging:
Apple's Message via satellite feature, introduced with iOS 18, is currently free for users, similar to its Emergency SOS via satellite service, which has been free for two years and recently extended to 2025[2][3]. However, there is no clear indication of whether this service will remain free indefinitely. Apple's satellite messaging allows for more interactive use, similar to iMessage, including support for Tapback reactions and emojis, but it does not support RCS messaging or large file transfers[2]. The service is limited to initiating conversations; recipients cannot start a conversation unless the user initiates it first[2].
Comparison:
- Pricing: Huawei offers a limited number of free messages with potential future charges, while Apple's service is currently free with no announced charges.
- Usage Limitations: Huawei's service is one-way, whereas Apple's allows for more interactive messaging but requires the user to initiate conversations.
- Infrastructure Costs: Both companies face significant infrastructure costs, but Apple has invested heavily in its satellite connectivity infrastructure, partnering with Globalstar[5].
In summary, while both companies provide satellite communication features, their pricing models and service capabilities differ significantly. Huawei's approach is more limited in terms of interactivity but offers a straightforward pricing model once the free quota is exhausted. Apple's service is more comprehensive but lacks clarity on future pricing.
Citations:
[1] https://www.huaweicentral.com/how-much-huawei-satellite-communication-will-cost-lets-find-out/
[2] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/apples-message-via-satellite-works-just-like-imessage-and-itll-be-free-to-start-with
[3] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-iphone-14-emergency-sos-satellite-how-work-cost-availability-version-1668108457-2-2/
[4] https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-launches-pura-70-satellite-sms-edition-smartphone/
[5] https://9to5mac.com/2024/06/12/iphone-sms-satellite-apple-charge/
[6] https://www.huaweicentral.com/apple-competes-with-huawei-for-satellite-communication-the-feature-is-free-for-two-years/
[7] https://consumer.huawei.com/za/community/details/HUAWEIHuawei-Mate-60-Pro-satellite-calling-costs-100-yuan-13-for-80-minutes-of-talktime/topicId-280458/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/gadgets/comments/1dgqjwb/how_messages_via_satellite_will_work_on_ios_18/