First Look at Messages via Satellite in iOS 18

[MacRumors]

Apple has been gradually expanding its suite of satellite connectivity features for iPhone, and iOS 18 brings a significant new one in the form of Messages via satellite. The feature allows users to send and receive iMessages and SMS texts, including emoji and Tapbacks, while out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

CNET met up with Apple's senior director of platform product marketing, Kurt Knight, this week for an early first look at how the feature works, while iJustine offered a similar walkthrough of it.

When your phone detects it's out of range of terrestrial networks, you'll get a pop-up alert that offers quick access to all of the available satellite-enabled services including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Find My, and now Messages.

Messages via satellite can also be accessed directly from the Messages app when off the terrestrial grid, with iOS popping up a card to help you point your iPhone toward an available satellite. From there, it works just as a normal Messages conversation does, and you're able to send and receive messages, emoji, and Tapbacks. Conversation messages sent via iMessage are also end-to-end encrypted when sent via satellite.

iMessages can be sent freely back and forth via satellite, but there are limitations on SMS due to the volume of promotional and automated messages that come through that protocol. Your emergency contacts and specified family members will be able to contact you via SMS at any time, but for all other contacts, you will need to send the first SMS message via satellite, which will then allow them to respond for a period of time.

Notably, despite Rich Communication Services (RCS) support coming in iOS 18 later this year, Messages via satellite will not initially work with RCS. Knight says the RCS protocol has not yet been optimized to a small enough size to work over a satellite connection, at least as far as Apple is concerned.

As with Apple's other satellite services, Messages via satellite will launch initially only in the United States with iOS 18 before later expanding to other countries. Apple's satellite services work on iPhone 14 and later, and while Apple has indicated it will eventually charge for satellite services, it continues to offer them without charge for the time being.

Article Link: First Look at Messages via Satellite in iOS 18

 

[jz0309]

Certainly a nice feature to have.
And this has probably been disclosed before - but what satellite network does this tap into?

 

[SIGSEGV1]

Certainly a nice feature to have.
And this has probably been disclosed before - but what satellite network does this tap into?

And how much dors Apple pay satellite operators?

 

[jrlcopy]

And how much dors Apple pay satellite operators?

So far, $252 million, https://spacenews.com/apple-loans-globalstar-252-million-for-satellite-enabled-iphones/

 

[WildCowboy]

Apple invested $450 million partnering with Globalstar to set up the initial system, probably more since then.

Emergency SOS via satellite made possible by $450M Apple investment

A $450 million investment from Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund supports Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone 14 models.

www.apple.com

 

[vertsix]

Incredibly underrated feature that very few are discussing!

Smartphones are fundamentally communication tools. Satellite connectivity brings an entire new avenue of communication to the conventional smartphone, exponentially increasing coverage and introducing a new way to communicate in emergencies that were never before possible.

EVERY phone needs this.

Dare I say, the biggest new fundamental feature to a smartphone since they added usable mobile data over 15 years ago.

(Yes I am aware satellite phones and beacons have existed for many years. But they are discrete devices separate to the conventional mobile phone which everyone has now. The most useful tool is the one you have with you, always.)

 

[Sunset Cassette]

This is honestly a really great feature to have for anyone who lives in a rural area with spotty (at the best of times) reception, or for those who love to go far out into nature.

Of course having access to Emergency SOS was great, and I'm sure that it has already saved lives, but having the flexibility to reach out to anyone is just an amazing bonus of the already created infrastructure.

Because Canada is such a huge country with a relatively small population, overall lack of network coverage results in many places that potentially thousands of people are travelling to or working at daily where they may not have any cellular service. This offers some reliability to stay in contact with family members, friends, and even employers. I could easily see this becoming a commonly used feature here, and likely an eye-catching and desirable feature for those who are not using an iPhone already.

Big kudos to Apple on this one.

 

[JPack]

Good to see Apple catching up. Hope see voice calling over satellite soon.

 

[JPack]

(Yes I am aware satellite phones and beacons have existed for many years. But they are discrete devices separate to the conventional mobile phone which everyone has now. The most useful tool is the one you have with you, always.)

Satellite voice and SMS was launched last year by Huawei.

 

[vertsix]

Satellite voice and SMS was launched last year by Huawei.

Good. As I said, every phone should have this.

 

[Bremse]

I wonder if both parties can be off grid. Say my wife and I are both out camping in the wilderness, would we be able to text each other? Or does the satellite connection have to be initiated by the user, which would mean the receiving phone wouldn’t be online for incoming messages.

 

[Tito360]

Certainly a nice feature to have.
And this has probably been disclosed before - but what satellite network does this tap into?

oh no they took starlinks photo first video @ 1:30 lol

 

[GuruZac]

This is one of the coolest features of iOS 18.

 

[dustin_]

really excited for this feature to come to mexico. there are so many spots without signal down here - i can’t wait to be able to send a text from my favorite beach.

 

[mattopotamus]

So, if you were in a different country, could you just rely on satellite messaging?

 

[tennisproha]

Do all these videos have to be vetted by Apple? Because both CNET and iJustine demos feature the exact same iMessage recipients and even messages; like both videos are super scripted.

 

[nawk]

No one has mentioned cost. It is "currently" free. iJustine said it would be free for 2 years - but what is proposed monthly/annual cost to have access to this service after that?

 

[MilaM]

So, if you were in a different country, could you just rely on satellite messaging?

Exactly my thought. If this worked worldwide, it would be a great way to stay in touch without paying hefty roaming charges.

 

[StuBeck]

No one has mentioned cost. It is "currently" free. iJustine said it would be free for 2 years - but what is proposed monthly/annual cost to have access to this service after that?

We don't know. It was initially only a 1 year option, but I'm assuming use was lower than they thought, or that people weren't willing to pay what was being proposed in focus groups. They expanded it to 2 years when the 15 launched.

 

[Porkchop-76]

Does this feature still work let's say in the middle of the desert but underground a few feet, asking for a friend.

 

[Le Big Mac]

Guy in the stock photo looks like he's about to put on his tinfoil hat.

 

[Baywatchboy]

Do all these videos have to be vetted by Apple? Because both CNET and iJustine demos feature the exact same iMessage recipients and even messages; like both videos are super scripted.

Looked like a special demo position using a phone provided by Apple. There were coolers in the background, probably with drinks as you waited for your turn.

 

[onionperson654]

So, if you were in a different country, could you just rely on satellite messaging?

No. They have to get approval in each country to use the satellite features. So even the emergency features only work in 16 countries right: the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and 12 countries in Europe.

Im curious if these features would work in international waters where there is satellite coverage.

 

[PlayUltimate]

Satellite voice and SMS was launched last year by Huawei.

It does not seem to be available in the US.

 

[jedimasterkyle]

This feature alone just replaced my Motorola Defy Satellite Link that I received as a birthday present in January lol. I like to go off grid for hiking and camping and this will truly be the life-line that I've been needing back to the my world in the event I need to get a hold of my friends and family.