Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States, claiming more than 100 lives and leaving many residents isolated due to destroyed infrastructure and lack of power. However, in the midst of this chaos, a ray of hope has emerged in the form of Apple’s new satellite messaging features.
Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Asheville residents find solace in satellite communications
Matt Van Swol, a photographer from Asheville, North Carolina, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that people have been able to “send and receive messages with the satellite messaging feature. This is literally saving lives.” While the connection isn’t perfect, Van Swol notes that there’s a “50/50 chance, which is better than nothing.”
Photographer tweets about satellite messaging in iOS 18 (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Peace of mind for worried families
Another X user reported using the satellite feature to get location pings from family members when power and internet went out. “At least it gave us some peace of mind,” they shared.
A man tweets about using satellite messaging in iOS 18 (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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iOS 18: Expanded satellite capabilities
With the recent release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced several new satellite features that improve communication during emergencies. You can now send messages via satellite directly from the Messages app, allowing you to stay connected even when you’re off the grid and without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Satellite Messaging lets you send and receive text messages, emojis, and Tapbacks via iMessage and SMS when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is not available. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro displays a text conversation in iMessage with a satellite image and the phrase “Keep pointing at satellite… connected” in the dynamic island.
For those who need to connect with friends and family using non-Apple devices, satellite SMS offers an alternative messaging option. These features build on the Emergency SOS satellite feature introduced with iPhone 14 and offer even more ways to call for help in critical situations.
Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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To send messages via satellite
- You need an iPhone 14 or later (all models) with iOS 18 or later.
- You must be in a location without cell coverage or Wi-Fi.
- You should be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
- You need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone.
- You need an active SIM.
- To use iMessage via satellite, you must activate iMessage before leaving cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
- To use SMS messaging via satellite, your carrier must support it.
- Satellite messaging is available in the US and Canada.
- It’s free for two years after activation on an iPhone 14 or later (all models).
Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Make sure you have iOS 18 installed
Before you can take advantage of the new features of the Magnifier app, make sure your device is running iOS 18. Follow these steps to check and update your iOS.
Check your current iOS version:
- Open the Settings app on your device
- Tap General
- Tap About. Here you will see the version number next to Software version.
Update to iOS 18:
- Gonna Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software update
- If iOS 18 is available, tap Download and install
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update
Steps to update to iOS 18 on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to activate iMessage
Now, to use iMessage via satellite, you must activate iMessage before leaving cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Here’s how to do this.
- Go to Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap Applications
- Scroll down and tap Messages
- Make sure the iMessage switch is on. on (must be green)
Steps to activate iMessage on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Touch Send and receive to make sure your phone number and email are selected for iMessage
Steps to activate iMessage on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to use satellite messages
Connecting to a satellite is quite simple:
- When your iPhone detects that you are out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, it alerts you; on the lock screen, you get a immediate that says you can send and receive messages via satellite.
- When you connect to the satellite, you will also see the option to text emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite, get help with car problems using Roadside Assistance via satellite, and share your location using Find My via satellite (where these services are available).
- To send a message, simply open the Messages app, you’ll be prompted to start accepting messages if you haven’t already, and your iPhone provides instructions for connecting to a satellite to send a text message. 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 . You can touch the dynamic island to open Connection Assistant for more help.
- When you connect and start accepting satellite messages, you will receive any SMS messages that were sent by your emergency contact or members of your Family Sharing group before you started accepting satellite messages. You won’t receive iMessages until your emergency contact or family member returns to the conversation and taps Send via satellite below your message bubble.
Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Limitations of satellite messaging
Satellite messages may take a little longer to send. Under ideal conditions, with a direct view of the sky and horizon, a message can take 30 seconds to send. Sending may take more than a minute under trees with light or medium foliage, and you may not be able to connect to a satellite under dense foliage or if you are surrounded by other obstructions.
Some iMessage features are not supported when using a satellite connection. You cannot send or receive photos or videos, audio messages, stickers, or messages in a group message.
If you can’t send an iMessage via satellite, for example, if the person you’re trying to text has an iPhone that doesn’t have iOS 18, has a non-Apple device, or hasn’t sent you an iMessage recently , you can use SMS messaging via satellite.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
While the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is immense, it is encouraging to see how technology can provide a lifeline in times of crisis. Apple’s satellite messaging features, while not perfect, are proving invaluable to those excluded from traditional communication methods. As recovery efforts continue, these innovations may well mean the difference between life and death for many in affected areas.
What personal experiences have you had with technology during a natural disaster and how did it affect your situation? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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