C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Pixel 10 devices will support WhatsApp voice and video calls over satellite starting August 28.
- Google shared a demo showing the satellite icon visible during an incoming WhatsApp call.
- Google is the first manufacturer to introduce this functionality.
Up until now, satellite support on phones has mostly meant SOS messages or sharing your location. That’s set to change later this month, when Pixel 10 devices become the first to make WhatsApp voice and video calls over a satellite connection. The feature goes live on August 28, the day the phones first ship.
The announcement came from Made by Google on X, accompanied by a video showing a Pixel 10 with the satellite icon in the status bar answering an incoming WhatsApp call. The short clip emphasizes that this isn’t just about emergencies anymore; you can actually take a call while you’re completely off the grid.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?
This comes right after Google expanded satellite features on the Pixel 10, with Maps and Find Hub adding live location sharing over satellite earlier this week. Add in the existing Satellite SOS for emergencies, and it looks like Google is moving quickly to make the Pixel 10 more useful when you’ve got no cell service.
This is a first compared to the competition. iPhones still use SOS-only satellite tools, while Samsung’s Galaxy S25 introduced messaging through Snapdragon Satellite. WhatsApp calling over satellite is a much bigger step into everyday use.
We’ll have to see how well it works in practice, as coverage, reliability, and cost could all be factors. Still, it’s an exciting development for Pixel 10 buyers, especially those who like to venture into the wilderness.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Top-tier specs • IP68 rating • 6.4-inch outer and 8-inch inner displays
Thinner, more powerful, and a bigger display
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold combines a 6.4-inch front display with a folding 8-inch inner panel for two capable viewing experiences. With the Tensor G5 shipset, 16GB of RAM, and lots of UFS 4.0 storage options, it matches the Pixel 10 Pro XL in terms of specifications and performance. The folding phone also offers a triple camera setup, plenty of powerful AI features, wireless charging, and an IP68 rating.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Biggest non-folding Pixel phone
Best specs and AI features
Google Pixel 10 Pro
Top-tier specs with small display
Satellite SOS
Powerful AI tools
Bright display
Google Pixel 10
Very promising battery specs
6.3-inch display
Loaded with Google AI features
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.
