iOS 18: Send Messages Without a Wi-Fi or Cellular Connection

[MacRumors]

In iOS 18, Apple further enhanced its satellite connectivity features for iPhone users with the introduction of Messages via satellite. Keep reading to learn how it works.

Available in the United States and Canada to owners of iPhone 14 models and newer, Messages via satellite enables users to exchange iMessages and SMS texts, including emoji and Tapbacks, through satellite connections when traditional networks are unavailable.

Apple is using the infrastructure that it set up for Emergency SOS via satellite for this feature, but you don't need to be in an emergency situation to use it, and the service is currently offered at no additional charge.

When an iPhone detects it's out of cellular or Wi-Fi range, it prompts users with an alert offering quick access to satellite-enabled services. These include Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Find My, and Messages. Users can also access the feature directly from the Messages app when off the grid, with iOS providing on-screen guidance to help point the iPhone toward an available satellite.

iMessages sent via satellite are end-to-end encrypted. However, it's worth noting that while iMessage functionality is fully supported, SMS capabilities are more limited to prevent abuse from automated systems. Emergency contacts and designated family members can initiate SMS contact at any time, but for other contacts, the iPhone user must send the first satellite SMS to enable responses.

To familiarize yourself with this potentially life-saving feature, Apple has included a demo mode in iOS 18. You can access this demonstration by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps, then tap Messages.
3. Scroll down and tap Satellite Connection Demo.

This demo guides you through the process of establishing a satellite connection and sending messages, providing valuable practice for real-world scenarios and emergencies where the feature might be crucial.

While the current version doesn't support Rich Communication Services (RCS), Apple could well bridge the remaining gap between traditional and satellite-based communications by expanding the feature's capabilities in a future iOS update.

Article Link: iOS 18: Send Messages Without a Wi-Fi or Cellular Connection

 

[usersince86]

This is pretty sweet. Thanks, Apple

 

[wonderings]

I am really surprised they are not charging for this. I wonder how this will affect those companies that are selling this type of service.

 

[d5aqoëp]

Start offering data service via satellites.

 

[Matt79]

Would like to try it out in UK

 

[Wagbh]

Would like to try it out in UK

Yeah. By definition, a satellite service is available worldwide. There are no -technical- reasons for Apple to restrict it to US only...

 

[Alwaysfindsaway]

Can’t wait till it comes to Europe!

 

[GaryMumford]

Would like to try it out in UK

I was recently down in Cornwall and at various places I had no reception (EE) and no WiFi whatsoever. The signal icon at the top of the screen turned into a "Satellite" icon, I sent a text message to my wife, and she received it within a minute or two. So Who Knows, Maybe we have it in the UK,but not officially. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

 

[spcdust]

I was recently down in Cornwall and at various places I had no reception (EE) and no WiFi whatsoever. The signal icon at the top of the screen turned into a "Satellite" icon, I sent a text message to my wife, and she received it within a minute or two. So Who Knows, Maybe we have it in the UK,but not officially. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

I guess it's possible but it is more likely the message slipped through when your phone got a momentary mobile cell signal.

 

[fwmireault]

Available to users in the United States using iPhone 14 models and newer

It’s also available in Canada

 

[ELman]

I am really surprised they are not charging for this. I wonder how this will affect those companies that are selling this type of service.

Don't worry, I'm sure charging for the service is in the works.

 

[ThomasJL]

I don't know anything about the bandwidth of such satellites. Could allowing the use of satellites for all iPhone users potentially clog up bandwidth and thus cause problems for people who try to use the satellite services for emergencies?

 

[miq]

Why only 14 and newer??

 

[8000XE]

Why only 14 and newer??

Hardware limitations I’m assuming

 

[Abstract]

I don't know anything about the bandwidth of such satellites. Could allowing the use of satellites for all iPhone users potentially clog up bandwidth and thus cause problems for people who try to use the satellite services for emergencies?

No, the limitation is probably just the number of satellites required. Apple didn’t launch their own satellite above the US, so they’re probably just paying for the satellite coverage that covers that area of the Earth’s surface, which will probably cover a good chunk of Canada’s southern half, too. And Mexico, plus the Caribbean.

Not sure if a satellite can (or would bother) discerning an emergency signal coming from the US vs Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, etc.

Even so, I don’t know why they’re doing it. Maybe it’s only being enabled in the US as part of a limited trial. There’s nothing stopping Apple from releasing it elsewhere besides money for more satellite access.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Going to need you once again for the whole state of Florida. Apple saving lives once again.

 

[citysnaps]

Huh... what's up with this voodoo???

Many here keep saying, pretty much daily, "Apple doesn't innovate anymore."

 

[Surfer13134]

As someone in CFL that is about to get hit by Hurricane Milton this is going to become a major asset to many of us! Its expected to make landfall at either a CAT 3 or CAT 4 and is going to deviate Florida especially the West Coast that just got hit by Helene a few weeks ago!

 

[dominiongamma]

The more this gains attraction to the main public the more I fear it will cost the users financially when they actually start charging customers to use it

 

[Apple_Robert]

I am really surprised they are not charging for this. I wonder how this will affect those companies that are selling this type of service.

I think Apple will eventually charge for this option after the first year with purchase.

 

[AAPLbuyback]

Yeah. By definition, a satellite service is available worldwide. There are no -technical- reasons for Apple to restrict it to US only...

Yeah there are. It’s called governments.

 

[spillled typos]

Make another mini and I'll be interested.

 

[d5aqoëp]

Make another mini and I'll be interested.

Next year

 

[fenderbass146]

This feature was amazing. I used it for the first time in Copper Harbor, Michigan a few weekends ago mountain biking. We had no service or wifi for the entire weekend but the ability to have conversations with my wife to check in was awesome. It was also really nice to know if I crashed out in the woods 15+ miles from any civilization I have a chance of getting a message out.

 

[Marzzz]

It will probably be only a few more years until all cellular services will be handled by satellite, and that current cell towers will become a quaint and obsolete technology.