Apple Announces Expanded Satellite Services for UK and Canada

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced that new satellite-based communication features are heading to the UK and Canada with iOS 18.

The company today said that Canada will also receive the new Messages via Satellite feature in iOS 18. Initially announced for the United States alone, the feature allows users to send and receive end-to-end encrypted texts, emojis, and even Tapbacks through iMessage and SMS when they are outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Apple has said that SMS availability will depend on the user's carrier, and while the service itself is included with the purchase of an iPhone, carrier fees may still apply.

Another significant update coming later this year is the expansion of Apple's Roadside Assistance via Satellite. Initially launched in the U.S., where Apple partners with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, this service allows users to connect with roadside assistance providers when they experience car trouble in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Roadside Assistance via Satellite will soon be available in the UK, where Apple is partnering with Green Flag, one of the country's leading roadside assistance providers. Users in the UK will be able to access these services on a pay-per-use basis if they are not already members of Green Flag or other participating providers. Like other satellite services from Apple, Roadside Assistance is designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky, meaning performance could be affected by obstacles such as dense tree cover or buildings.

In addition to the new satellite messaging features, iOS 18 will introduce Emergency SOS Live Video. This feature will allow users to share a live video feed or photos with participating emergency dispatchers during an emergency call, providing responders with real-time visuals to help assess the situation more effectively.

Apple's satellite services are available for free for the first two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or later.

Article Link: Apple Announces Expanded Satellite Services for UK and Canada

 

[iGeek2019]

Hoping they’ll partner with The AA/RAC for those of us who have breakdown cover w/them - although it will be handy in areas with limited cellular coverage 🙂

 

[Justin Cymbal]

iMessage over satellite is such a cool feature

This will surely come in handy for hiking at Banff National Park (just north of Glacier National Park) in Calgary, Alberta 🇨🇦

I went skiing at Banff with the Boston Ski and Sports Club a few years ago. The scenery there is spectacular

 

[hollersoft]

iMessage over satellite is such a cool feature

This will surely come in handy for hiking at Banff National Park (just north of Glacier National Park) in Calgary, Alberta 🇨🇦

I went skiing at Banff with the Boston Ski and Sports Club a few years ago. The scenery there is spectacular

Not just for hiking. Many parts of Canada have no cell service on long stretches of major highways. Cities and most rural populated areas are fine but we have a lot of land that isn't populated at all.

It's definitely the feature of iOS 18 that I'm most excited about, and very happy to hear it's coming to Canada right away.

 

[svish]

Good to see it in UK and Canada. Still waiting for it to be available in more regions.

 

[Sinfonist]

Most of the UK has good mobile coverage, but there are some places which don't (e.g. parts of Scotland,
especially the Highlands and Islands - I have no coverage in 5 mins drive from my house, and that isn't at all remote!).
So this will be great for peace of mind for those who are with the right breakdown service.
Even if it costs something, that's acceptable in an emergency.

I'm assuming it also covers the automated crash detection? There was a sad story from a few years ago where someone crashed a car off a motorway in a rural area.

Police blamed after human error led to M9 tragedy

Lamara Bell died after being left for three days in a car that had crashed down an embankment.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[OneSon]

These features are MASSIVELY under appreciated. I actually think they're the most significant upgrade to iPhones in the past 5 years. I'm assuming the new features will also be applied to the iPhone 15 and 14?

 

[jimbobb24]

SpaceX is apparently going to offer free emergency services over satellite for all phones...which sounds crazy amazing. Apple was apparently going to charge at some point but if SpaceX offers for free dont see how apple would look charging for it...