iPhone Satellite connectivity boost in the new OS 18 update
Apple is adding more features to the iPhone’s satellite messaging system. With the new iOS 18 update, satellite messaging will now be accessible in addition to emergency messaging, and users will still be able to send and receive messages even in the absence of cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity.
On June 10, Apple revealed the update along with the release of iOS 18. But only for phones—the iPhone 14 and later devices included—that are already equipped with emergency satellite messaging.
In its statement on Monday, Apple stated that the satellite-based extension makes use of the same technology as Emergency SOS. When a user is outside of the range of cellular coverage, Messages by Satellite will instantly prompt them to connect to the closest satellite directly from the Messages app. As a result, iPhone users will be able to send and receive tapbacks, emoji, and messages over SMS and iMessage.
The same end-to-end encryption that is used in regular iMessages will also be used in satellite messages.