With millions of Americans affected — or about to be — by this hurricane season’s shockingly powerful and devastating storms, your smartphone could quickly become a lifeline.
And even faced with long-term service outages, iPhone 14, 15, and 16 are all capable of reaching 911 via satellite with no setup needed — as long as users have a clear view of the sky.
Beyond that basic function, and as part of iPhone’s major iOS 18 software update that was released in September, many devices are now capable of seeing messages through satellite services as well — even when there is no cellular signal or wifi available.
For devices iPhone 14 and advanced using the new iOS, messaging settings can be configured to use a satellite connection. On social media, some stressed that during the recent Hurricane Helene, the move was life-saving.
“Messages via Satellite” requires users to turn on iMessage, go into the messages section of settings and their phone will provide instructions on how to connect with a satellite.
iPhones will also show a direction that users should point their phone toward for the best reception.
Apple says this feature is only usable when outside “with a clear view of the sky and horizon.”
Listed emergency contact members of a pre-set-up family sharing group can send SMS texts to you over satellite in the U.S. and Canada with supporting carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
This can be done without a user needing to initiate contact as well.
Along with communicating with emergency services over text, this can be used for roadside assistance too.
Messages also typically take longer to send under these conditions and locations can be sent as well.
Google Pixel models Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold also have emergency satellite features in the continental U.S.
With Google messaging enabled as a user’s primary messaging app, satellite features can be prompted with a call to 911.
If no service is available, a “satellite SOS” option will appear along with an emergency questionnaire and the chance to warn emergency contacts.
From there, emergency services will begin a text conversation with your phone.
Google does advise that “Connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions, and other factors.”
