Messages and Find My via Satellite Expand to Mexico

[MacRumors]

Apple today expanded the Messages via Satellite and Find My via Satellite features to Mexico, allowing iPhone users in Mexico to take advantage of Globalstar satellites for communication when cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity options are unavailable.

To use satellite connectivity in Messages and Find My in Mexico, an iPhone 14 or later with satellite capabilities is required, as is iOS 18.4 or later. The person on the receiving end of an iMessage sent using a satellite connection needs iOS 18 or later, while SMS messages require iOS 17.6 or later or a non-Apple device.

With Messages via Satellite, iMessages and SMS messages can be sent using a satellite connection, while location information can also be updated in the Find My app using satellite connectivity.

Using Messages and Find My without Wi-Fi or cellular will require users to hold their iPhones up to the sky to establish a connection. Open spaces with no trees or buildings make it easier to connect, and speed up message sending and receiving. Emoji and Tapback responses are supported, but images, videos, audio messages, stickers, and group messages do not work over satellite.

The option to use satellite connectivity for Messages will display automatically when Wi-Fi and cellular connections are not available, and users will be able to tap to connect by following Apple's instructions.

Messages via Satellite is now available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The functionality continues to be free for all iPhone users with a compatible device.

Article Link: Messages and Find My via Satellite Expand to Mexico

 

[russell_314]

This is awesome! I bet it’ll save many lives of people who are injured in the middle of nowhere. I’m glad to see Apple constantly getting better

 

[DaveMcM76]

Now bring satellite messaging the UK too! Living in the Scottish Highlands it doesn’t take a lot of distance from my house to be out of signal completely so the would be a really useful feature for me while hiking and updating my wife on progress without it needing to be an emergency. Updating location is all well and good, but a message would be better.

Seems an odd omission given we already have emergency and roadside assistance via satellite available in the UK, but I guess it’s down to negotiations with the carriers.

 

[GenesisST]

Can figure out from the article if it is while user is IN Mexico (US or Canada) or if the user's origin is Mexico, US, or Canada.

Would this work with my Canadian iPhone on a Canadian iCloud account, while, for example, I am on the Heard and McDonald islands (Australia)?

 

[Quasselstripper]

With the recent power outage / blackout in Spain and Portugal we are in high demand to get this feature in Europe.

It’s crazy that it’s not offered here yet, SOS via Satellite works here.

 

[dustin_]

oh this might be what finally gets me to upgrade my phone. i’m frequently on beaches without signal & it’d be wonderful to be able to stay connected via text.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Truly a lifesaving feature. Glad this is rolling out to more regions.

 

[ToothBlueth]

With the recent power outage / blackout in Spain and Portugal we are in high demand to get this feature in Europe.

It’s crazy that it’s not offered here yet, SOS via Satellite works here.

If I understood correctly it is possible to get satelite service with iPhones going back to the 13 models. Maybe there is a Spanish or European satelite provider?

 

[dominiongamma]

This is awesome! I bet it’ll save many lives of people who are injured in the middle of nowhere. I’m glad to see Apple constantly getting better

Meanwhile https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/27/appl...e-offer-now-its-plans-are-in-jeopardy-report/

I’m thinking the future for this is in trouble

 

[ToothBlueth]

Meanwhile https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/27/appl...e-offer-now-its-plans-are-in-jeopardy-report/

I’m thinking the future for this is in trouble

Isn't it actually Apple just trying to sell something in an over-fancied package?

 

[russell_314]

Meanwhile https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/27/appl...e-offer-now-its-plans-are-in-jeopardy-report/

I’m thinking the future for this is in trouble

No not really. If the technology is useful people will buy it. Just because Apple has some concerns doesn’t mean they are even capable of holding it back. If Apple decides not to do this, others will and customers will buy those products. If I am constantly in areas with no cell signal, then I’m going to buy a phone that has this feature. I might love the iPhone, but not to the point where I’m going to risk dying in some remote area just so I can have blue bubbles. In the end is the consumer that has the decision.

 

[svish]

Good to see this launch in another country. However still waiting for it to be available in my region. Going by the recent rumors don't think it will happen any time soon, if ever.

 

[pbau]

Hey Apple, please remember about Poland