Apple brings promising new features to the iPhone in the latest iOS 18, including satellite messaging. This feature was first released in the iPhone 14 and lets users connect when having no cellular or Wi-Fi signals. So, no matter where the adventure takes you, connecting with your loved ones is on the go with the iOS 18 satellite messaging feature.
Let’s explore how this feature works and what you can do with this feature.
How Does iOS 18 Satellite Messaging Work?
Apple outranked the wireless operator’s satellite-based services in the latest iOS 18 that was released at WWDC: Worldwide Developers Conference. You can receive and send iMessage or SMS texts, emojis, and tapbacks via the satellite messaging feature when wifi or cellular connection is not nearby. It uses end-to-end encryption for private and secure communication between users, as typically happens in iMessages. However, Apple’s iOS 18 satellite messaging is only available in the US and Canada regions for free for just two years.
Once your iPhone does not connect to the wifi or cellular service, you will get a notification about the satellite connection. To access the satellite services, tap on the Turn on option. Then you will see the satellite services on your screen that include Messages, Find My, Roadside Assistance, and Emergency SOS. Now it helps you to find the nearest satellite and place your device properly. When your iPhone is connected to the satellite, the dynamic island helps you to stay keen on the satellite overhead. And you can start the conversation with your loved ones.
However, you can open the iMessage app that displays a ‘Connect to Satellite’ option via the Dynamic Island prompt to guide you about how to find the nearest satellite.
Note: You can also go to the satellite option from the control center to start satellite messaging in iOS 18.
Moreover, you can check the demo of the iOS 18 satellite messaging on your iPhone to do that:
- Go to the settings app.
- Hover over the apps option.
- Now tap on the messages option and go to the message via satellite option.
- Then, tap on the satellite connection demo to start the demo of satellite messaging.
What Messages are Supported in iOS 18 Satellite Messaging?
The supported message setups in satellite messaging are typical SMS and iMessage. An SMS text has some limitations; meanwhile, iMessage works as usual. You can send messages to anyone, but you can only receive messages from emergency contacts when using satellite messaging. Some of the message features are not available in iOS 18 satellite messaging, like sending or receiving images or videos, audio messages, stickers, or group messages.
Moreover, you can’t send messages via satellite if the other one does not have 17.6 or they have a non-Apple device such as Android. You can’t receive messages via satellite if the other one does not have iOS 18 or later updates. While satellite messaging might take a little longer to send, it almost takes 30 seconds.
NOTE: Right now, RCS (Rich Communication Services) is not available with this feature.
What iPhones Support iOS 18 Satellite Messaging?
You must use the following iPhone models to use the satellite messaging feature.
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16, Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
FAQs
Q: How to turn on the iOS 18 satellite messaging feature?
To turn on the satellite messaging from the control center:
- Swipe down to open the control center.
- Click on the cellular button you will see on the right side.
- Now tap on the satellite option, then select the satellite feature.
To turn on the satellite messaging from the settings app:
- Go to the settings app.
- Then hover over the satellite and choose a satellite option.
Q: What is the price of iPhone satellite messaging when the trial is over?
Apple does not share the details for the pricing of satellite messaging when the free trial is over. But now iPhone 14 and later model users can use iOS 18 satellite messaging for free.
Sum Up
iOS 18 has now been released, and it brings many fascinating features to Apple’s smartphones; one of them is satellite messaging. Other new features are scheduled text messages, RCS messaging, improvements to mail, dynamic color-changing wallpaper, and more. Some features will come soon, like iPhone AI, which is officially called Apple Intelligence that will surely enhance your iPhone experience. Well, iOS 18 satellite messaging stands out most because it allows on-the-go communication when wifi or cellular signals are not available.
