This year Apple debuted the ability to send messages via satellite with iOS 18. The advantages are obvious from an emergency perspective as it allows users to connect wherever they might be.

As you might expect, communication via satellite will be slower than traditional connections. Apple advises that sent messages will take about 15 seconds to go through.

Alternatively, your first launch of Messages after entering SOS mode prompts you to enable the service; tapping the notification opens Settings > Satellite. Apple offers a crisp explanation of ...

Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite and Messages via Satellite features could help you communicate in areas without a phone signal; here's how to use them.

If you're upgraded to iOS 18, your iPhone has new satellite features. It's not just for emergencies anymore (but it's still pretty much mainly for emergencies) ...

Texting via satellite isn’t the same as connecting over a 5G connection, but after the experiment, I felt more confident that I could get in touch with the folks back home if I needed to check ...

Messages via satellite: Send messages to friends of family to seek support. ... How to use Emergency SOS via Satellite. The first thing you should do if you need help is to try to dial or text 911.

Apple included a number of satellite-based features in its latest iPhone models to help users keep contact in an emergency. Here's what they are, and how to use them if you have no signal.

For Messages via Satellite to function, you'll need to first ensure that your iPhone has been upgraded to iOS 18. To check that, or update to iOS 18, go to Settings > General > Software Update . 2.