How to send iMessages via satellite

Apple introduced satellite communication support for iPhone in the iPhone 14 series, although the main focus of this feature was SOS communication. Every iPhone model released since then will allow you to communicate with emergency services via satellite in emergencies when you don’t have access to a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

Two years later, Apple further improved the iPhone’s satellite capabilities by bringing satellite support to the Messages app. You can now send iMessages and SMS from your iPhone if you have iOS 18 and a compatible iPhone. That is, iPhone 14 or a newer model. Additionally, the service is initially available in the US and Canada, but will likely be rolled out to more markets soon.

You may think you don’t need it now, but just like SOS emergency communications via satellite, you should learn to use it as soon as possible. You can’t predict when a feature might come in handy.

The Emergency SOS feature will allow you to contact emergency services, while satellite texting will help you stay in touch with your family in the same emergency situations. We saw this recently after Hurricane Helena. iPhone users running iOS 18 were able to send text messages via satellite in areas that no longer had cellular and Wi-Fi service.

To actually use Messages over Satellite in iOS 18, you’ll need to be in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. But you don’t have to figure out how to recreate these conditions, because iPhone lets you test the feature with a demo built into the Messages app.

Here’s how you can test it at home right away:

• Go to Settings app
• Click Applications
• Click The news
• Scroll down to find Satellite connection demo

Like the Emergency SOS demo you may have seen over the last few years, the Messages demo shows you how to start a conversation with family and friends via a satellite connection. Before sending a message, you will need to find a satellite and establish a connection.

It’s a good idea to practice at home because you won’t have to learn this skill while dealing with the stress of an emergency. You’ll know what to do when you find yourself in a place with poor cell reception and poor Wi-Fi. Contacting loved ones in emergency situations can be extremely important for both parties. It can relieve stress and help calm your mind.

Not to mention, you can use this feature to stay connected with your loved ones when you go hiking in a remote place. You don’t have to pay extra to send iMessage texts and SMS via satellite in iOS 18. Everything is free if you’re in a supported region.

The Messages app lets you send iMessages via satellite that are end-to-end encrypted. You benefit from the same security when using Apple’s proprietary chat system, regardless of how you transfer your data. You also get support for emojis and Tapbacks for iMessages.

However, MacGossip He points out that texting can be a bit more complicated than sending text messages over a cellular network. The system is designed to prevent abuse, so you will need to designate contacts who can contact you via SMS via satellite. Otherwise, you may need to initiate SMS chats so that other people can text you via satellite.

That said, you should expect some communication delays when sending messages via satellite. Satellite connectivity will not be as reliable and fast as cellular and Wi-Fi. But it can be extremely useful. The video demonstration below shows the iOS 18 feature in action.