Out on a hiking trip and stranded with no mobile data coverage or wifi? Apple has rolled out a cool new feature in iphone14 models and later, with ios18. You can now send sms messages or iMessages by satellite connection.
You can send and receive texts, emojis and tapbacks over sms or iMessages. To connect to a satellite you need to be in the clearing, with a clear view of the horizon. Simply follow this guide on how to connect to a satellite for step by step instructions for a connection to the grid. Unfortunately, this feature is only available in the US and Canada, but its potential is promising. Imagine such a feature on a global scale!
Messages via satellite is free for two years and comes pre-installed on iphone14 and later models. With this feature, you can text emergency services by sending an SOS message, message your contacts, request roadside assistance and share your location. Isn’t that awesome. Now you can explore remote places with peace of mind knowing that you can be connected to the grid anywhere and anytime. The uses of this feature are vast. Hikers who get lost can contact emergency services or if you have incurred an injury, SOS is just a tap away. You can even allow your family and friends to track your whereabouts. If you are out on a driving trip and run into an emergency, repair services are just a connection away.
When you send text via satellite, your communication remains secure as they are encrypted end-to-end. When using emergency services your location will be shared with emergency service providers. All data collected by Apple will be kept aligned with its privacy policy.
Your iphone will automatically send you a notification to connect via satellite if it detects you’re outside cellular data or wifi coverage. What’s more, the messages via satellite feature comes with a Dynamic island feature with indicator dots that show the strength of your satellite connection and arrows will guide you to a location with stronger satellite connection.
Messages will take roughly 30 seconds to send and may take over a minute if you are under trees or foliage. You will not be able to connect to the satellite if you are under heavy foliage or if there are any obstacles around you. Unfortunately you can’t send photos or videos, stickers, audio messages or group messages. You can use sms messaging to even send texts to non iphone users.
In times of disaster. this feature would be a definite life saver and more lives could be saved. Thank you Apple for such a service!
Imagine the applications of such a technology and the future only looks more promising for Apple users. People who live in remote regions or who do not have access to cellular data or wifi coverage can now be connected to the grid. In future perhaps they would even be able to access to the internet, surf the web and watch videos. Apple and Tesla’s Starlink could possibly have more collaboration in the fields of satellite connections. People in countries such as Africa, Mongolia, Asia, South America will benefit greatly from such a technology.