Apple is steadily transforming the iPhone into a robust satellite communication device. Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite. While initially limited to emergency services, iOS 18 expands this capability to all scenarios where you’re out of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. After an exclusive preview at Apple Park, here’s how this feature will work with iMessage and SMS messages.
Seamless Transition to Satellite Communication
When you lose cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, an alert will notify you to switch to satellite communication to send messages. Tapping this notification opens the new connection assistant, featuring satellite-powered tools like Find My, roadside assistance, and emergency SOS.
From this page, you can start a chat or navigate to the Messages app, where a prompt in the Dynamic Island will guide you to find an overhead satellite. You can also access the Satellite option in Settings or Control Center to set up satellite communication when traditional signals aren’t available.
Easy Satellite Connection Process
The connection process is similar to previous versions: your iPhone will guide you on which direction to point, and offer tips to avoid obstructions. Once connected, the Dynamic Island will display a green check mark. This indicator will change colors and shapes if the connection weakens.
Initiating SMS Chats Over Satellite
To prevent network congestion with promotional messages, only the person without cellular or Wi-Fi can initiate SMS chats over satellite. However, emergency contacts and iCloud family members can still reach you via satellite. Whether using iMessage or SMS, you can send texts, emojis, or tapback reactions. Compressing these into small packages for satellite transmission is challenging, so images and videos are not supported.
Real-World Demo and Experience
During a demo, an Apple representative demonstrated connecting to a satellite via the Dynamic Island and sending a text. On the sender’s phone, “iMessage. Satellite” appeared above the blue bubble, and the recipient saw the same label over the gray bubble. Read receipts aren’t supported, but “delivered” and “sent” statuses are shown under the message bubbles.
SMS and iMessage Support Over Satellite
It’s impressive to see both SMS and iMessage supported over satellite, with the latter being end-to-end encrypted. While RCS isn’t covered due to the complexity and size of its messages, this is a notable step forward for satellite communication.
Pricing and Availability
Apple has not yet detailed the pricing for satellite connectivity post the free trial period. Currently, iPhone 14 and newer models can use these features for free. Initially offering two years of free service from the purchase date, Apple extended this to three years as of November 2023. The exact free period may vary based on when you bought your iPhone.
What’s Next?
iOS 18 is expected to roll out this fall, and more details about Messages via Satellite will likely emerge. Stay tuned for updates as we learn more about this exciting feature.
