Two years later, Apple further upgraded the satellite abilities of the iPhone, bringing satellite support to the Messages app.
You can now send iMessages and SMS texts from your iPhone, as long as you run iOS 18 and have a compatible iPhone.
iPhone users on iOS 18 were able to send texts via satellite in areas that no longer had cellular and Wi-Fi support.
To actually use Messages via satellite in iOS 18, you’ll need to be in an area with no cellular coverage or Wi-Fi networks.
You don’t have to pay extra for sending iMessage and SMS texts via satellite in iOS 18.
The iPhone 14 series marked the introduction of satellite communication support by Apple, albeit with a primary focus on SOS communications. In situations where you don’t have access to a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, you can communicate with first responders via satellite using any iPhone model released since then.
After two years, Apple improved the iPhone’s satellite capabilities even further and added satellite support to the Messages app. As long as your iPhone runs iOS 18 and is compatible, you can now send SMS texts and iMessages from it. That implies a model of iPhone 14 or higher. The service is also currently accessible in the US and Canada, but it will most likely soon expand to additional regions.
Even though you might not think you’ll need it right away, you should learn how to use it as soon as possible, much like with satellite-based emergency SOS communications. The feature’s potential usefulness is unpredictable.
Sending texts via satellite will enable you to stay in touch with family during emergency situations, even though Emergency SOS will allow you to communicate with first responders. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helena, we recently witnessed it. When cellular and Wi-Fi coverage was lost, iPhone users running iOS 18 could still send texts via satellite.
You will require to be outside of cellular coverage areas and Wi-Fi networks in order to utilize Messages via satellite in iOS 18. However, the iPhone allows you to test drive the feature through an integrated demo within the Messages app, so you don’t need to figure out how to duplicate these conditions.
How to test it immediately at home is as follows:.
Open the Settings app.
Click the Apps icon.
Press the Messages icon.
To access the Satellite Connection Demo, scroll down.
The Messages demo demonstrates how to initiate satellite-based communication with loved ones, akin to the Emergency SOS demo you may have witnessed in recent years. Sending messages requires you to locate a satellite and establish a connection.
You should practice at home since it will save you from having to learn this skill while under pressure during an emergency. You will be prepared for situations where there is weak Wi-Fi and sporadic cellular service. It can be crucial for both parties to stay in touch with loved ones during emergencies. It might help calm people down and relieve stress.
In addition, you can use the feature to communicate with loved ones while out on a hike in a remote area. Using satellite to send SMS texts and iMessages is free of charge in iOS 18. If you live in a supported area, everything is free.
Sending encrypted messages over satellite is possible with the Messages app and is end-to-end secure. Regardless of the data’s method of transmission, using Apple’s proprietary chat system offers you the same level of security. Moreover, iMessages Tapbacks and Emoji support are provided.
But SMS may be a little trickier than texting on a cell phone, as MacRumors notes. You must specify contacts who can contact you via SMS over satellite because the system is meant to guard against abuse. If not, you might need to start SMS conversations in order for people to text you via satellite.
