iOS 18’s new satellite messaging is already proving to be real lifesaver – here’s how to try it

Emergency features that don’t rely on cell service

News By Alex Blake published 9 October 2024

With Hurricane Milton bearing down on Florida in the US, there’s a very real risk that it could cause havoc to communication infrastructure, making it harder than ever to stay in touch with people in the area.

But if you’ve got an iPhone, there are two built-in features that could let you communicate with loved ones and first responders, even when mobile networks aren’t functioning. This isn’t just hypothetical – there are plenty of examples of people using Apple’s services to connect when Hurricane Helene struck in late September.

The first feature is Emergency SOS via Satellite. As the name suggests, this uses satellite connectivity to link your call to emergency services, providing you with help when cell infrastructure is too badly damaged to get your call through.

Right now, it’s free for anyone with a phone from the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lineups (see Apple’s full list of available territories to see where it works). Depending on where you live, you’ll also need to be running anything from iOS 16.1 to iOS 17.6 – Apple has a full list of requirements on its website.

But the second, and more recent, feature is Messages via Satellite, which recently landed in iOS 18. Like Emergency SOS via Satellite, Messages via Satellite can give you service even when the normal messaging methods aren’t working. It isn't technically designed for emergencies and doesn't connect you to emergency services, but could connect you to loved ones if you're in a dicey situation without cell coverage.

Considering how much damage Hurricane Milton is likely to cause to cell towers and the like, it could be an ideal way to check up on family and friends when normal messages just don’t get through. Here's how it works and how to try it.

How to use Apple’s emergency services

Both Emergency SOS via Satellite and Messages via Satellite are currently free to use for two years after registering your iPhone and neither require any additional setup – though the latter is currently only available in the US and Canada, for now.

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