Satellite Messages in IOS 18 Are a Game Changer
With iPhone 14, Apple introduced a new way to communicate: emergency SOS via satellite . With it, you can contact emergency services even if you have no signal. This feature will tell you how to connect your iPhone to a nearby satellite, and once connected, it will allow you to ask for help (albeit in a much more limited and slow manner than usual).
This is a fantastic safety feature both for those who frequent areas with poor cell coverage and for emergency situations when cell service is unavailable. But this last point is actually the main drawback of this feature: it is only available in emergency situations. If you don’t have any services and you’re completely safe, you can’t use this feature to simply message a friend or family member to check on them. If you don’t want the police involved in your update, you’ll just have to wait until you’re back within range of a cellular signal or Wi-Fi.
Messages via satellite
That’s changing with iOS 18: Apple’s upcoming operating system ( currently in beta ) includes an update to its satellite communications feature. When it falls, you will be able to send any messages via satellite, not just emergency ones. This way, when you find yourself completely without service, you can not only send a message letting people know you’re okay, but also continue chatting as usual.
When it comes to iMessage, virtually nothing is at risk. You’ll be able to send and receive messages, emoticons, and tapbacks (reactions like “thumbs up” or “Haha”). Plus, all your messages are still encrypted, so there are no security breaches when using satellites to transmit your messages rather than cell towers or the Internet. You don’t have to do anything special to activate this feature either : once your iPhone loses network connectivity and switches to SOS Only, you’ll see a notification on your lock screen inviting you to send a message via satellite. However, you don’t even have to click on this warning. Just start typing a message and if there is no service, your iPhone will automatically send it via satellite.
You’ll know this is happening because next to the “iMessage” tag in your subject text field there will be a “Satellite” tag. You may also want to be aware because some messages can take quite a long time to send and receive as they are first transmitted to the satellite and then routed to their destination. As with Satellite Emergency SOS, iOS will help you point your iPhone toward the nearest satellite overhead. You’ll need a clear view of the sky and few (if any) tall obstacles, including trees and buildings. However, if the conditions are correct, you will be able to send the message.
iMessages will arrive automatically, even via satellite, so while you may not be able to keep up with messages as quickly as usual, they will all arrive eventually. However, SMS text messages will only work if you initiate a conversation: for example, if an Android friend sends you a message when you’re not online, you won’t receive it. But if you send a message, you will receive a direct response.
Unfortunately, this feature does not support RCS, the iOS 18 text messaging protocol finally accepts . While this feature is slightly disappointing, the feature itself is so cool that I can completely overlook the RCS omission. Lack of service is no longer a barrier to losing connection. You won’t be driving down a remote road and getting a barrage of missed iMessages after reconnecting to the service: those messages will still appear on your iPhone exactly as they were sent. You can travel somewhere without the Internet and still be able to tell people about your experiences.
Of course, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys short social breaks, there’s always a foolproof solution: turning off your iPhone completely.