The month of September is marked by the rollout of one of the most popular smartphones — iPhones. And while the phones are the talk of the town, the newest software updates in September come with some fanfare as well. The most recent updates are something people should be aware of in case of an emergency.
Satellite messaging is something we seldom think of in the day-to-day, but something that we need in a dire situation. When all the bars disappear from cell phone service, and you need to make a phone call in an emergency, then satellite messaging steps in, allowing people to communicate with messages and phone calls.
Apple was one of the first phone companies to implement emergency satellite messaging back in 2022 with the release of the 14th generation of models. Since the release of that feature, the company has expanded satellite calling beyond the Emergency SOS feature, which can be seen in the newest iOS 18 update.
iPhones from the 14th generation onward are equipped with this feature, which allows people to send messages and calls that aren’t SOS. This means you can call a mechanic or loved one if you find yourself with your car broken down and get the help you require. A lot of other companies are investing in the field and developing with the Android platform, however there hasn’t been a release from another company this year similar to the iPhones.
While many people think that this new feature is the death of communication devices like Garmin’s Inreach devices used by outdoor enthusiasts. The Inreach devices still have perks like sending navigation and tracking information to your contacts, so people can know where you are, and the physical buttons are easier to press when your fingers are dirty or wet, so this iOS update may not be a death sentence. In fact many outdoor enthusiasts or motorcycle riders say that redundancy is fine, especially if one device is broken. Having this new iPhone feature, many say, is an added safety bonus.
When you find the cellular data diminishing, the message via satellite will kick in, prompting users to connect to the nearest satellite. This makes situations we always dread — getting lost or breaking down in places — solvable and less overwhelming. A lot of details still haven’t been answered — like how much battery does the satellite messaging use or if this feature will be free forever — but for the moment it is an added feature that’s great to utilize in emergency situations.