As millions of Americans are affected or about to be affected by this hurricane season's incredibly powerful and devastating storms, smartphones could soon become a lifeline.
The iPhone 14, 15, and 16 can all reach 911, even in the face of long-term outages. Via satellite with no setup required — as long as the user has a clear view of the sky.
In addition to that basic functionality, as part of the iPhone's major iOS 18 software update released in September, many devices will now be able to send messages through satellite services even when no cellular signal or Wi-Fi is available. Now it can be displayed.
For iPhone 14 and newer devices with the new iOS, you can configure your messaging settings to use a satellite connection. On social media, some people recently highlighted the following during Hurricane Helen: That move saved lives..
“Messages via satellite” requires users to turn on iMessage and go to the Messages section of Settings. Your phone will then display instructions on how to connect to the satellite.
iPhone also tells you which direction you should point your phone for the best reception.
Apple says about this feature It can only be used outdoors with “clear visibility of the sky and horizon.”
Registered emergency contact members of pre-configured family sharing groups can send SMS texts via satellite in the US and Canada with supported carriers such as AT&T and Verizon.
This can be done without the user initiating contact.
This can be used for roadside assistance as well as communicating with emergency services via text.
Also, messages typically take longer to send in such situations and may also include your location.
Google Pixel models Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold also available Has emergency satellite function In the continental United States
If you enable Google Messaging as your primary messaging app, satellite functionality will appear in your 911 calls.
If no service is available, a “Satellite SOS” option will appear with an emergency survey, giving you the opportunity to alert your emergency contacts.
From there, emergency services will initiate a text conversation with your cell phone.
Google advises that “connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions, and other factors.”
