Messages app gets satellite connectivity in iOS 18, along with emoji Tapbacks

You will soon be able to send and receive text messages via satellite, Apple announced Monday.

Additionally, the Messages app will also support scheduling messages and react to texts with any emoji.

“You can now use the satellite capabilities of iPhone 14 and later to connect to satellites hundreds of miles above Earth and text friends and family when you’re off-grid ” Apple CEO Ronak Shah said during Monday’s WWDC24 keynote.

Send and receive text messages via satellite in iOS 18

Satellite messaging will be included in iOS 18, due this fall. The system will let you send and receive text messages in the Messages app when you’re off the network, Apple said.

The system uses the same technology used by Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite.

“We’re using the same revolutionary technology that allowed us to get emergency SOS via satellite to deliver messages to you via satellite,” Shah said.

After connecting to a satellite, key iMessage features such as sending and receiving messages, as well as responding to messages, will be available.

The system will be end-to-end encrypted, Shah said.

It will also work with SMS messaging, used to send messages to people using Android phones and other devices not integrated with Apple’s iMessage system.

Satellite messaging will require an iPhone 14 or later.

Apple did not say when the system would be operational or whether it would require additional fees. iOS 18 will be released in beta today and will be released to the public this fall.

Messages receive emoji tapbacks

Apple also redesigned the popular Tapbacks feature in iOS 18, allowing users to react to texts with any emoji.

Shah said reacting to messages with emoji – rather than a limited set of reactions – was one of the most requested features among users.

“We’re bringing you new ways to express yourself and stay connected,” Shah said. “Tapbacks are one of the most popular ways to express yourself and convey messages, and people love them. This is a huge year for Tapbacks.

Messages in iOS 18 will also allow users to schedule messages to be sent later.

“When you don’t want to forget to send that friendly reminder or birthday text in the morning,” Shah said.

Additionally, iOS 18 will support text formatting. The text can be italicized, underlined or crossed out.

The text will also receive “text effects,” which add eye-catching effects to the text. Some words will be automatically recognized for text effect suggestion.

“Whether you want to highlight a major news story, bring your emoji to life, or simply be blown away by a stunning photo, you can express yourself in whole new ways with text effects,” Shah said.