You No Longer Need a Satellite Phone If You Have An iPhone 14 or Later

[LDHunter]

I just found about this feature on new iPhones version 14 or later and mine is a 15.

You can use satellites for texting if you update to iOS 18 which was released last week. It's an update you have to look for. Here's how....

Go to updates and look below the current update and it might say "other updates available" and click on 18. You might have to look for it like I did.

Here's a bulletin from Apple on how to use it.

Connect to a satellite with your iPhone - Apple Support

With iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can connect your iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location — all while you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

support.apple.com

 

[Rubberduckie]

This is a first time I've ever been interested in an iPhone. Thx for the info

 

[LDHunter]

You can count on their competitors scrambling to offer this feature if they haven't already. Cell phone companies are extremely competitive because profit taking is incredibly high.

 

[crashlanding]

Delete

 

[Rick Richard]

Mine is a 13. Oh well.

 

[LDHunter]

Mine is a 13. Oh well.

I'm with Verizon and they're constantly offering juicy trade in deals to get the latest iPhones.

 

[BillNye]

Its a nice feature to have but doesn't replace a satellite communicator for many purposes. Mostly because your cell phone isn't nearly as durable as a proper communicator, plenty of things can damage or disable it. It can't be worn in an accessible location on the exterior of your pack like you'd want for an emergency beacon and the battery will be used much more quickly. I'd rather save the phone for primary mapping (with a physical backup), as a backup ballistics calculator, and for leisure/fun without worrying about it being my only emergency communication device. Particularly on multi-day hunts where battery may be an issue. I carry a 5000mAh battery pack but that still only gets me through a week using my phone occasionally

 

[ShtrRdy]

Does Apple charge a fee to enable or use this feature?

 

[marksman1941]

Does Apple charge a fee to enable or use this feature?

Free for first two years. No word on what the fee will be after that.

 

[Shooter264]

It works but not great. Satellite connectivity can be sporadic. I played with last week on a mountain goat hunt. Definitely won't be replacing my inreach anytime soon.

 

[MtPockets]

It works but not great. Satellite connectivity can be sporadic. I played with last week on a mountain goat hunt. Definitely won't be replacing my inreach anytime soon.

Thank you for that insight.
Very helpful.

 

[FEENIX]

Mine is a 13. Oh well.

According to this, yours is compatible, https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/ip...ill be,free on release for compatible devices.