iOS 18's Game-Changing Feature: Send and Receive Texts Via Satellite

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Apple's iOS 18 introduces the ability to send and receive iMessages and SMS texts using satellite communication.
Communications are encrypted for privacy and security. Free for two years upon activation of eligible iPhone models.
iPhone 14 and later models with iOS 18 can use Messages via satellite function outdoors with minimal obstructions.
New feature allows users to stay connected in remote locations without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Supports both iMessage and standard SMS texts, including emojis and Tapbacks.
iOS 18's Game-Changing Feature: Send and Receive Texts Via Satellite

Apple's latest operating system, iOS 18, introduces a groundbreaking feature: the ability to send and receive iMessages and SMS texts using satellite communication. This capability allows users to stay connected even in remote locations without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

The new Messages via satellite function is built upon the infrastructure supporting Emergency SOS via satellite, utilizing low Earth orbit satellites for communication. To use this feature, iPhone 14 and later models running on iOS 18 must be positioned outdoors with minimal obstructions as per on-screen instructions.

This new addition to the Messages app supports both iMessage and standard SMS texts, including emojis and Tapbacks. All communications are encrypted for privacy and security. The feature is included free for two years upon activation of eligible iPhone models.

Apple's senior director of platform product marketing, Kurt Knight, provided a first look at the new Messages via satellite feature during WWDC 2024. He demonstrated how users can send messages while out of range of terrestrial networks. The feature is also available on CNET and iJustine for further exploration.

Additionally, iOS 18 introduces RCS (Rich Communication Services) support, enhancing the messaging experience between iPhone users and Android devices. This includes better quality media sharing and reliable group messaging.

Apple emphasizes user privacy and data security with this new feature. All communications via satellite are encrypted, ensuring that messages remain private.

The Messages via satellite feature is initially available on newer iPhone models, starting from the iPhone 14 series. It requires iOS 18, which is compatible with devices hosting the A12 Bionic chipset or later.

This significant step forward in mobile communication technology provides critical connectivity in off-grid scenarios and sets a new standard for seamless communication across challenging environments.



Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Is this feature truly available for all iPhone 14 and later models?
  • What is the exact range of minimal obstructions required for satellite communication?

Sources

99%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple’s new feature in iOS 18 allows users to send and receive iMessages and SMS texts, including emoji and Tapbacks, while out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
    • ,
  • Accuracy
    • ]Apple's new feature in iOS 18 allows users to send and receive iMessages and SMS texts, including emoji and Tapbacks, while out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks.[
    • The feature is called Messages via satellite.
    • Users will get a pop-up alert when their phone detects it’s out of range of terrestrial networks.
    • Messages via satellite can be accessed directly from the Messages app when off the terrestrial grid, with iOS popping up a card to help users point their iPhone toward an available satellite.
    • iMessages sent via satellite are end-to-end encrypted.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • iOS 18 introduces satellite capabilities to the iMessage app
    • Off-grid users can send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS with new capability
    • The feature is available on iPhone 14 and newer phones updated to iOS 18
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • iOS 18 introduces the ability to send messages via satellite.
    • This feature allows iPhone users to stay connected in remote locations without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
    • Satellite messaging is built upon the infrastructure supporting Emergency SOS via satellite and uses low Earth orbit satellites for communication.
    • Users must have an iPhone 14 or later running on iOS 18 and position their device outdoors with minimal obstructions as per on-screen instructions to use satellite messaging.
    • Satellite messaging supports both iMessage and standard SMS, with encrypted messages for privacy and security.
  • Accuracy
    • The feature is included free for two years upon activation of eligible iPhone models.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication