Hurricane Helen left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States, killing more than 100 people and leaving many residents stranded due to destroyed infrastructure and power outages. But amid all this chaos, a ray of hope has emerged in the form of Apple's new satellite messaging feature.
Get security alerts, tips from experts – Sign up for Cart Newsletter – Cyber Guy Report here
Satellite Messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Asheville residents find comfort in satellite communications
Matt Van Swole, a photographer from Asheville, North Carolina, shared on did. Although the connection isn't perfect, Van Swol says, “The chances are 50-50 and it's better than nothing.”
Photographer tweets about satellite messaging in iOS 18 (X) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Is your phone ready for emergencies? Turn on these lifesaving settings
Peace of mind for worried families
Another X user reported using satellite functionality to get location pings from family members during power outages and internet outages. “At least it gave us some peace of mind,” they said.
Man tweets about using satellite messaging on iOS 18 (X) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Emergency iPhone shortcuts could save your life
iOS 18: Expanded satellite functionality
With the recent release of iOS 18, Apple introduced several new satellite features to enhance emergency communications. You can now send messages via satellite directly from the Messages app, allowing you to stay connected even when you're off the grid and don't have cell phone or Wi-Fi coverage.
Messages via Satellite allows you to send and receive texts, emojis, and tapbacks via iMessage and SMS, even when you don't have a cell phone or Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, on iPhone 15 Pro, Dynamic Island displays satellite images and iMessage text conversations that include the phrase “Point at satellite…connected.”
If you need to connect with friends and family using a non-Apple device, SMS via satellite provides an alternative messaging option. These features build on the satellite-based Emergency SOS feature introduced in iPhone 14 and give you even more ways to call for help in a crisis.
Satellite Messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Top 11 essential items for emergency vehicles
To send a message via satellite
- Requires iPhone 14 or later (all models) with iOS 18 or later.
- You must be in an area with no cell phone or Wi-Fi coverage.
- You should be outdoors with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
- You need to connect to the satellite with your iPhone.
- Requires an active SIM.
- To use iMessage via satellite, you must turn on iMessage before you go out of range of your phone or Wi-Fi.
- To use SMS messaging over satellite, your carrier must support it.
- Messaging via satellite is available in the US and Canada.
- Free for 2 years after activation on iPhone 14 and newer (all models).
Satellite Messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Make sure iOS 18 is installed
Before taking advantage of the new features in the Magnifier app, make sure your device is running iOS 18. Follow these steps to check and update iOS.
Check your current iOS version.
- open setting App on device
- tap common
- tap About. Here you will see the version number next to it. software version.
Updated to iOS 18:
- go to setting
- tap common
- tap Software update
- If iOS 18 is available, tap . Download and install
- follow me on-screen instructions To complete the update
Steps to update to iOS 18 on iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How to turn on iMessage
To use iMessage via satellite, you must turn on iMessage before you go out of range of your phone or Wi-Fi. Here's how:
- go to setting Apps on iPhone
- Scroll down and tap app
- Scroll down and tap message
- Make sure the iMessage toggle is turned on. turned on (It should turn green)
Steps to turn on iMessage on iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
- Tap sending and receiving To make sure your phone number and email address are selected for iMessage
Steps to turn on iMessage on iPhone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How to protect your iPhone and iPad from malware
How to use messages via satellite
Connecting to the satellite is very easy.
- When your iPhone detects that you're out of cellular or Wi-Fi range, it alerts you. On the lock screen, prompt This means that you can send and receive messages via satellite.
- Once connected to a satellite, you will also see the following options: text emergency service Use Emergency SOS via satellite, get help with car troubles using Roadside Assistance via satellite, and share your location using Find My via satellite (where these services are available) ).
- To send a message, message When you use the app, you'll be prompted to start receiving messages if you haven't already done so, and your iPhone will provide instructions for connecting to a satellite to send texts. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or newer, a dynamic island at the top of your screen will show indicator dots that show you the strength of your connection and tell you to turn left or right if your connection could improve. An arrow will appear. When you tap , dynamic island Open the Connection Assistant for detailed help.
- Once you connect and start receiving messages via satellite, you will receive all messages. SMS message Sent by an emergency contact or a member of your Family Sharing group before you start receiving messages via satellite. The iMessage won't be received until the emergency contact or family member returns to the conversation and taps . transmit via satellite It's below the message bubble.
Satellite Messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Satellite messaging limitations
Sending messages via satellite may take some time. In ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and horizon, it may take 30 seconds to send your message. Transmission may take more than a minute under trees with light or medium foliage, and you may not be able to connect to the satellite under heavy foliage or surrounded by other obstructions.
Some iMessage features are not supported when using a satellite connection. You can't send or receive photos, videos, voice messages, stickers, or messages within group messages.
If you can't send iMessage via satellite – For example, if the person you're trying to text uses an iPhone that doesn't have iOS 18, if they use a non-Apple device, or if you can't send iMessage via satellite. For example, if you have not sent the Recently, SMS messaging has become available via satellite.
Cart important points
While the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen has been devastating, it is heartening to see how technology can provide a lifeline during a crisis. Apple's satellite messaging feature, while not perfect, has proven invaluable to people who are disconnected from traditional communication methods. As recovery efforts continue, these innovations could mean the difference between life and death for many in the affected areas.
What personal experience have you had with technology during natural disasters? And how did it impact your situation? Please email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask your cart a question or let us know your story you'd like us to feature.
Follow Kurt on his social channels.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
New from cart:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
