If You're an iPhone User, You Can Send Messages via Satellite with the New Update

Apple introduced the Emergency SOS service via satellite several years ago, and this forms the foundation of their new feature (Arab Tech News).

Apple has introduced a unique upgrade for iPhones, allowing users to send text messages via satellites without needing Wi-Fi or cellular network coverage, according to The Sun.

Apple announced on its official website that this feature will be available on the iPhone 14 and later models, running on iOS 18. It enables users to send text messages to friends and family via satellites when they are outside the range of cellular or Wi-Fi networks. The feature is currently available only in the U.S. and Canada.

How Satellite Messaging Works

Apple introduced its Emergency SOS via satellite service a few years ago, and this forms the backbone of the new feature. With the SOS service, users can connect to a satellite to reach emergency services.

Now, Apple is expanding this capability, allowing users to send regular text messages to friends and family using the same satellite system. The feature activates automatically when you try to send a message and don't have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

According to Apple, the system prompts users to connect to the nearest satellite automatically, allowing them to send and receive texts and emojis through iMessage and standard SMS. It is important to note that messages sent via satellite using iMessage are end-to-end encrypted.

How to Use Satellite Messaging

Apple clarified that satellite messaging does not support group chats or media sharing like photos or videos. Additionally, text messages may have a character limit. To use this feature, users need to:

1. Ensure iMessage is enabled in settings.
2. Confirm that the recipient has updated to the latest version of iOS and is listed in their contacts.
3. Make sure to have recently sent or received an iMessage (within the last month) with the recipient.
4. Turn on Send as SMS under the settings for Messages if they want to use satellite-based SMS.

When trying to send a message and no Wi-Fi or cellular signal is available, a notification will automatically appear asking users to use the Send via Satellite feature.

For the service to work, users must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Apple noted, "If you're under dense tree cover or surrounded by other obstacles, you may not be able to connect to the satellite."

It's important to note that sending a message via satellite may take a few minutes, and the recipient will see that the message was sent using satellite technology.

Who Can Use This Service?

Unfortunately, there are limitations to the service. It requires the latest iOS 18 and works only on iPhone 14 and later models.

Another challenge is that satellite messaging is currently available only for users in the U.S. and Canada. However, the Emergency SOS feature is available in the U.K., which suggests that British users may soon have access to satellite messaging.