The latest iPhone operating system adds the ability to send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you’re off the grid without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Learn more about this promising new feature here…

Apple’s latest iPhone operating system, iOS 18, was released yesterday with a promising new messaging feature that could benefit bikepackers. As we hinted at in a Dispatch in June, with the new operating system, the iPhone 14 (or later) can send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you’re off the grid without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Although not everyone will want to rely on their phone as a satellite communication device, it’s exciting to see satellite messaging available on your phone, especially with other satellite messenger plans becoming increasingly expensive.

It sounds too good to be true, right? Well, there are a few hitches. First, messaging via satellite is only available in the U.S. and Canada. It’s free for two years after activating an iPhone 14 or later (all models), but it’s unclear what it will cost after those two years are up. To receive iMessages via satellite, your contact must have iOS 18 or later. To reply to SMS messages via satellite, your contact needs to have iOS 17.6 or later (or a non-Apple device).

  • iphone Satellite messaging
  • iphone Satellite messaging

To connect your iPhone to satellites, you must be outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or later, the Dynamic Island at the top of the screen has indicator dots that show the strength of your connection and, if your connection could be improved, arrows that direct you to turn left or right. In ideal conditions, sending messages can take up to 30 seconds. Under light foliage, over a minute, and under heavier foliage, it might not send at all. You can’t send or receive photos or videos, audio messages, stickers, or messages in a group message.

Learn more about Satellite Messaging from your iPhone here.

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