iOS 18 Text Messages via Satellite

[Skepilot]

With iOS 18, you can send text messages via satellite when there’s no WiFi or cell signal. I know a few who say it works in their GA planes. How many of you have tried it? How reliable / consistent is the sat signal?

About Messages via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support

With iPhone 14 or later, you can send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you’re off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

support.apple.com

 

[MooneyDriver78]

How much does it cost?

Most if not all of my Apple friends aren’t on IOS 18 yet and it won’t work with Android devices.

 

[eman1200]

@N4984R

 

[dans2992]

It works, but there is some effort involved in aiming it.

Also, seems to not work offshore, so usefulness is limited.

 

[Skepilot]

How much does it cost?

Most if not all of my Apple friends aren’t on IOS 18 yet and it won’t work with Android devices.

It's free for now. From what I've read, should be free for at least 2 years. And yes, you CAN use it text to non-apple devices, such as Android.

 

[N4984R]

Has worked great for me! It’s enabled me to stay in touch with people on the receiving end of my pilots and Paws flights! Extremely handy!!! Works on any iPhone 14 pro and newer with iOS 18


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cowman]

I was aware of it and thought it was just free but I also thought it was supposed to be an emergency only service.

 

[Skepilot]

I was aware of it and thought it was just free but I also thought it was supposed to be an emergency only service.

It was, before iOS 18. With iOS 18 you can use satellite for regular messages.

 

[Skepilot]

It works, but there is some effort involved in aiming it.

Also, seems to not work offshore, so usefulness is limited.

That's weird. Shorelines should present no limitation to satellite comms. Ah, I just read that they're currently limiting it to US/Canada, so they have beyond 30-90 miles offshore geofenced off. I'd expect that geofence to be removed as they expand service beyond US/Canada.

 

[Lance F]

I’ve used it down low and up to FL190. Works great but you’ve got to aim your phone at the satellite. Your screen shows where the satellite is. Pretty cool and free is good.

 

[dans2992]

That's weird. Shorelines should present no limitation to satellite comms. Ah, I just read that they're currently limiting it to US/Canada, so they have beyond 30-90 miles offshore geofenced off. I'd expect that geofence to be removed as they expand service beyond US/Canada.

I hope so!

 

[Pinecone]

I have used it, in flight at 14,000 feet. It worked.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

I was aware of it and thought it was just free but I also thought it was supposed to be an emergency only service.

“*Messages via satellite shouldn't be used in emergencies. If you're somewhere with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage and in an emergency situation, you should instead text emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite.”