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Are Satellite Messengers Dead? (Video)
After testing both the inReach Messenger and the new iPhone satellite messaging feature on a recent trip, Neil had a realization that could save him money, space, and frustration. Find out what he learned in his latest video…
We’ve all seen—or maybe even used—satellite messengers before. They’re incredibly useful little devices, especially for bikepacking, where getting off the grid and out of cell service is pretty common, even in today’s connected world.
Last year, I had a subscription for the Motorola Defy, which ran through the Bullitt app. I planned to review it, but I kept running into frustrating glitches that made the app unreliable. Eventually, I gave up on it. The device itself worked like any other satellite messenger, but Garmin’s apps are far more polished. So, this year, I dusted off my Garmin inReach Messenger and logged into the inReach site only to find that everything had been migrated to Garmin’s main platform. Then I discovered that subscriptions are now managed through the Garmin Messenger app. A lot had changed in just a year.
As I started reactivating my device, I saw the $15 monthly fee and thought, “Okay, that’s a bit steep, but I’ll just pay for a month and deactivate it after my trip.” But then I scrolled down and saw the $40 activation fee—$40 on top of the $15 monthly charge! I was floored. Still, I needed a way to stay in touch with my family while I was away, so I begrudgingly paid the $55 total for what was essentially a five-day trip. Completely absurd.
I knew my iPhone had satellite capabilities, but I hadn’t really tested them yet. So, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to compare it to the inReach while on my trip. Watch the video to see what I learned below, and read on for a full breakdown.
iPhone Satellite Messaging
Apple’s satellite messaging is still relatively new. In fact, this was the first time I was actually prompted to connect to a satellite since owning this phone. Speaking of which, this feature is only available on the iPhone 14 and newer; I have a 15 Pro Max, which I got in late 2023.
The technology built into these phones allows communication outside of cell or Wi-Fi coverage for emergency services, roadside assistance, location sharing, and messaging. Apple uses Globalstar’s satellite network, which they in invested in back in 2022 with this feature in mind. In contrast, Garmin relies on Iridium, a network generally regarded as the most reliable global satellite system. In my experience, both usually work as intended, but more on that soon.
The biggest advantage of satellite messaging on an iPhone? Well, many of you already own the device, and the functionality is surprisingly slick.
Field Test
On the second day of our trip, we arrived at camp, and there was no cell service. I did what I normally do: I used my inReach Messenger to send a message through the Garmin Messenger app. I let my partner know I was at camp, gave a quick update on my day, and asked how she and the kids were doing. But I wasn’t getting a response.
I reset the inReach and sent the message again. And again. Still nothing. I usually get a reply, so I suspected something was wrong with my inReach. That’s when I opened the Messages app on my iPhone, and it immediately prompted me to connect to a satellite. A screen popped up, guiding me to point the phone in the right direction for the best signal.
While the process is a little clunky and definitely slower than regular texting, it worked. I sent a message, and within minutes, I got a response. Turns out, my partner had been worried since a couple of hours had passed without hearing from me. My inReach had failed, but my iPhone got the job done. At that moment, I realized I had wasted $55.
The Bigger Picture
Of course, not everyone has an iPhone 14 or newer. And for those who need continuous tracking updates—every 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes—a dedicated satellite device is still the better option. In fact, it’s the only tool that can actually do that.
But if you don’t need tracking and just want to send an occasional message, the iPhone is a great alternative. I’m really struggling to understand how Garmin gets away with these ludicrous prices, especially when Apple’s satellite messaging is free for two years after buying a new device. In my case, that means I have free messaging at least until the end of 2025, and I fully intend to take advantage of it.
Now, I expect this to change. We don’t yet know what Apple will charge after the two-year free period (or if that period starts from when Apple first introduced the feature in late 2024). But, for now, I’ll be saving hundreds of dollars, and that’s hard to ignore.
Are These Devices Obsolete?
With iPhones (and soon some Samsung and Google phones) offering satellite messaging, are traditional satellite messengers like Spot, Garmin, and others on their way out? It all comes down to cost and usage:
- Do you have a compatible smart phone?
- Do you already pay for a monthly/yearly cellular plan?
- How often do you actually use satellite messaging?
- Do you need location tracking?
For me—someone who’s constantly out of service, whether on day rides or bikepacking trips—this service is invaluable. Just being able to send a quick message letting my partner know I might be late or that I’ve made camp for the night is a game-changer. And when I compare that to the subscription costs of dedicated satellite devices, it’s hard to justify paying for a service that’s free on my phone.
If Apple eventually introduces a per-message fee, requires a subscription, or adds activation charges, that would be the point where an additional device might make sense. For now, however, being able to leave home with one less gadget to carry, one less thing to charge, and more money in my bank account is a win in my book.
What do you think? Let’s discuss in the conversation below!
Further Reading
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