iPhones now have non-emergency access to the satellite link

[regehr]

someone mentioned this in a thread the other day but it seems like something everyone here should see: if you have an iPhone >= 14 and you upgrade to iOS 18, you can do messaging through the satellite link. I haven't tested it out because it doesn't work while you have other signals, but this seems very cool!

About Messages via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support

With iPhone 14 or later, you can send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you’re off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

support.apple.com

 

[Ugly]

I did test this last Friday. We had no signal and sent a message with our dinner order for takeout to my wife and we received her response.

Messaging is slow, but it worked and the messaging is free for 2 years.
Your iphone will tell you where the satellite is and give a visual to try and keep pointed while the message is sending.
I have also previously used the send location, not SOS, but just the location to a contact, and it worked as well.

 

[SEAlpine]

I tested it out while walking a stream under a heavy canopy of old growth spruce trees. Got messages to send and also received messages back.

 

[Rockskipper]

I did test this last Friday. We had no signal and sent a message with our dinner order for takeout to my wife and we received her response.

Messaging is slow, but it worked and the messaging is free for 2 years.
Your iphone will tell you where the satellite is and give a visual to try and keep pointed while the message is sending.
I have also previously used the send location, not SOS, but just the location to a contact, and it worked as well.

If you send me her number will she bring me takeout?