One of the most significant novelties of iOS 18the latest version of the operating system of the iPhonehas gone quite unnoticed in these parts because it is only operational in Canada and the United States, for the moment. But it has been in the latter country, coinciding with the catastrophe of hurricanes Helene and Milton, where it has been highly valued. It is about the ability to send and receive messages via satellite when the user does not have mobile network or WiFi coverage. In a scenario like the one mentioned, in which communications are interrupted, this type of functionality is extremely useful, as many users in Florida and other states hit by hurricanes have noted in recent weeks.
Satellite messages is a new satellite service that is added to calls to the satellite service. Emergencieswhich arrived with the launch of the iPhone 14 and iOS 16 two years ago, when coverage was not available. This option is available in Spain, although it arrived after its launch in the United Stateswhich also happens with satellite messages that we do not know when they will be deployed to more countries. The other satellite services that Apple has subsequently added have been Roadside assistance via satellite and share your location using Search via satellite.
iOS 18 notifies the user when there is no coverage and informs you of the satellite services available to you. You can also access messages via satellite from the iPhone messaging app, iMessagebut remember that you can only use this function, free for the first two yearsin situations without coverage detected by the phone.
The service allows you to send messages with emoticons and tapbacks—quick reactions—via iMessage and SMS to anyone. The contacts of emergency and those grouped in In family They will be able to continue sending you messages that you will receive once you connect to the satellite network. Other contacts will be able to send them only in response, after the user has first contacted them. As usual, all messages are end-to-end encrypted.
To send a message, you just have to open the app Messages. You will be prompted to start accepting messages, if you haven’t already, and the iPhone will give you instructions to connect to a satellite and send a text message. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or later model, Dynamic Island shows the strength of the connection through dots at the top of the screen. If it is possible to improve it, use arrows to tell you to turn left or right. You can tap Dynamic Island to open the Connection Wizard for more help.
Satellite messages they are not fast. Apple has explained that it may take 30 seconds to be shipped in ideal conditions, with a direct view of the sky and horizon. Under trees and among abundant vegetation, it may take more than a minute or even that you cannot connect under these conditions. Let’s hope that this novelty does not take too long to reach Spain.