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iPhone’s satellite messaging feature could help save lives during a hurricane.
This feature was added during a recent operating system update for millions of Apple users. An American affected by Hurricane Helen said on social media that he “just made it in time.”
“I’ve never been more grateful to be an iPhone user. Due to the lack of cell phone service, everyone in Asheville, North Carolina, now using iOS 18, can use satellite messaging to send and receive messages. Now you can,” Matt Van Swole, a North Carolina-based Asheville photographer, said in a post. It currently has nearly 9 million views on X. “This is literally lifesaving.”
“Yes. I was able to text my family even when I couldn’t get out because all the exits were blocked by trees and power lines,” user @timotheeej replied to the thread.
“I used it to reach out to my family in Georgia and let them know we’re OK. It’s pretty cool,” Mike Monti said.
Messaging via satellite allows you to contact family and friends directly from your Messages app, even if you don’t have cell phone or Wi-Fi coverage. It is available to users using the 18th version of Apple’s iOS, as well as existing satellite functionality on iPhone 14 and newer models in the US and Canada. According to Apple, iPhone 14 and newer phones are free for two years after activation.
Users must subscribe to a carrier’s cell phone plan, and SMS messaging via satellite is available on supported plans. Apple says message charges may apply.
This feature works when the iPhone owner is outdoors and has a clear view of the sky and horizon.
“When you go off-grid, you will be instantly prompted to connect to the nearest satellite directly from your Messages app and start messaging via satellite,” the tech giant said.
Connecting to satellite allows iPhone users to send text messages to emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite and roadside assistance via satellite to troubleshoot car troubles wherever service is available. You’ll also see options to get support for , and share your location using Find My via satellite. Available.
A box at the top of the screen displays the strength of the connection using an indicator dot and an arrow that tells the user to turn left or right. Tap the box to open the Connection Assistant for additional help.
User receives SMS messages sent before using satellite, but the person they are sending the message to is under the message bubble[衛星経由で送信]The message will not be received until you tap . Sending a message can take up to 30 minutes under ideal conditions and may take longer under light or medium leaf trees. Heavy leaves or other objects can completely prevent the connection.
Photos, videos, voice messages, stickers, or messages in groups are not supported for messages via satellite.
If the person you’re texting doesn’t have the latest iPhone or has a non-Apple device, users can use SMS messaging via satellite to reach them.
However, Apple says it should not be used in emergencies.
“If you are in an emergency situation and are in an area without mobile phone or Wi-Fi coverage, you should instead use Emergency SOS via satellite to send a text message to emergency services,” it advised.
