How Satellite Messages Work on iOS 18

One of the new features coming to the iPhone this fall is the ability to send text messages via satellite. Here’s what you can expect.

On Monday, Apple held its annual WWDC keynote. The event gave developers and Apple fans a glimpse of what’s in store for Apple’s next lineup of operating system releases.

As expected, part of the two-hour keynote focused on what Apple would introduce with iOS 18. One of those features is Apple’s new satellite messaging, which will allow users to send both iMessage and text messages when they don’t have Wi-Fi. -Fi or cell service.

CNET spoke with Apple’s Senior Director of Platform Marketing, Kurt Knight, to learn more about this feature.

Knight suggests that this feature would be particularly useful for communicating with friends and family members when you’re in an area that doesn’t have particularly robust service, such as while hiking.

And messages don’t have to be emergency-related. They are free to text about their day as they would any other conversation.

Knight demonstrates that once your iPhone detects that you don’t have cellular or Wi-Fi service, it will send you a lock screen alert that prompts the user to connect to a satellite to search and send messages .

From there, iOS 18 will show users which services they can use in satellite mode. This includes sending and receiving messages, updating their Find My location, requesting roadside assistance and contacting emergency services.

Once you choose to use satellite messages, iPhone will guide you to position yourself correctly. And, once you’re properly aligned, it works just like any other Messages conversation. If the satellite changes position, your iPhone will ask you to realign to continue service.

Interestingly enough, the rules between iMessage and SMS are a bit different. While you can freely send and receive iMessages, you’ll need to initiate conversations that require texting first.

Apple says this is because many automated promotional messages are sent via SMS, which could cause too much congestion on the service if they were allowed to flow freely.

Currently, RCS messages, which will be supported in iOS 18, will not be supported for satellite messages. Apple says this is because the RCS protocol is not optimized to work over satellite.

Like Emergency SOS via satellite, messages via satellite will be limited to iPhone 14 and later. Knight points out that the service will be rolled out to customers in the United States first, then to other countries over time.

CNET note that the feature is free – for now. Apple has announced plans to eventually charge for the service, but has not yet made the change.