The Google Pixel 10 series has just launched, and it already has one jaw-dropping feature: itโs the worldโs first smartphone to support WhatsApp satellite calling โ both voice and video calls. Yes, the Pixel 10 will let you make a WhatsApp call even when youโre completely off the grid.
The feature officially goes live on August 28, 2025, the same day the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold hit shelves. Sadly for us in Kenya, this groundbreaking connectivity is starting as a US-only exclusive.
Why WhatsApp satellite calling is a big deal
Until now, satellite features on smartphones have been more about emergencies than everyday use. Appleโs iPhone 14 and newer models only allow SOS texts over satellite. Samsungโs Galaxy S25 introduced satellite messaging earlier this year, but itโs still limited to text through certain carriers.
Google is the first to push beyond messaging, turning satellite connectivity into something practical with full-on WhatsApp voice and video calls via satellite. Imagine being in the middle of Maasai Mara or hiking in Turkana with zero cell coverage, and still being able to make a WhatsApp video call. Thatโs the kind of future the Pixel 10 hints at.
Why launch in the US, not Kenya or India?
Interestingly, WhatsApp isnโt even Americaโs favourite messaging app. Over there, iMessage, Messenger, and FaceTime rule the chats. But WhatsApp is king in Kenya, India, Nigeria, and Brazil.
So why launch in the US? Likely because the satellite rollout is already happening there with T-Mobile and Starlink leading the way. Google needed a test market, and the US checked all the boxes. But itโs easy to see how markets like Kenya and India, where WhatsApp dominates daily communication, would benefit the most from this tech. Unfortunately, Google hasnโt shared any global roadmap yet.
Still, Kenya may be better positioned than most African countries. Safaricom has already partnered with Texas-based AST SpaceMobile and is reportedly exploring another satellite play most likely with Starlink which could give it a head start in rolling out services like satellite SMS and calls. But donโt count out Airtel either.
Airtel Africa has already partnered with Starlink to expand internet access into rural Africa and has also been doubling down on 5G and expanding rural connectivity in Kenya. But more future partnerships in satellite services wouldnโt be surprising. Since Googleโs fine print is clear that local carrier support is a must, Airtel could easily move to compete with Safaricom in bringing this feature to Kenyan Pixel users.
In short: the Pixel 10 has the hardware and software ready, but whether youโll actually be able to call via satellite in Kenya depends on how quickly carriers like Safaricom and Airtel move to support the technology.
Of course, there are caveats. Googleโs own announcement mentions that:
- Satellite WhatsApp calls will only work with participating carriers.
- Extra charges may apply on top of your usual bill.
- Youโll need to be outdoors with a clear sky view.
- There may be slight delays compared to normal cellular calls.
Still, the idea of WhatsApp satellite calls puts Google miles ahead of rivals. Even T-Mobileโs โT-Satelliteโ only supports SMS/MMS, and Appleโs SOS feature is still emergency-only. The rollout covers the entire Pixel 10 lineup, from the standard Pixel 10 to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
For now, if youโre in Kenya and eyeing the Pixel 10, youโll still get Googleโs usual flagship perks โ AI features, excellent cameras, and premium design. But weโll have to wait our turn for WhatsApp satellite calling.
Until then, consider this: one day soon, you could be standing on a cliff in Samburu, phone in hand, and still manage to hop on a WhatsApp video call. Now thatโs the kind of future worth waiting for.
