From autumn onwards, iPhone users will be able to communicate via text messages away from the mobile network and WLAN: Apple’s satellite service, previously limited to emergency messages, will also support general messaging in the future, as the company announced at WWDC 2024. Part of the innovation iOS 18 and integrated into Apple’s Messages app. Like using satellite emergency calls, the minimum requirement is an iPhone 14.
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Send iMessages and SMS via satellite
In the dead zone, both iMessages and SMS messages can be sent and received via the satellite connection. The company stressed that iMessages on this connection also remain protected by end-to-end encryption. Content such as photos obviously cannot be sent via the narrowband satellite connection. Elements such as emojis and the tapback function for quick reactions to messages are also provided via satellite. Is there even a signal in the dead zone RCS – another innovation of iOS 18 – Permission to exchange messages remains unclear at the moment.
At launch, Satellite Messaging will only be available in the USA. Following its launch, Apple quickly rolled out Satellite Emergency Calling to other regions, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries. No schedule is currently available.
How much does iPhone satellite messaging cost?
It is still unclear how much satellite messaging from Apple costs – with other providers, expensive subscriptions are usually required and the number of messages is limited. Satellite emergency calling is included free of charge for two years after purchasing a new iPhone; Apple has not yet announced its next price. For early buyers of the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, the manufacturer recently extended the free period to three years. Also Google announces support for satellite messaging for Android 15,
Communication requires a direct connection to a flying satellite and ultimately only works outdoors and with as unobstructed a view of the sky as possible. iOS helps the user align the iPhone correctly and informs them, for example, how long they have to wait for the next satellite to fly by.
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