Coming soon: satellite texting from your iPhone

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Written By John Godino
 

This is a bonus article, available ONLY for Alpinesavvy Premium Members.

image credit: Apple

Apple already offers emergency satellite text capabilities for newer iPhones. But that's only to connect you with emergency services, and not for direct person to person texting.

Looks like that is about to change. Check out this recent (June 10, 2024) announcement from Apple. 

iOS 18 is the next big operating system update, and should be available in September 2024.

If you have a 14 or newer iPhone with iOS 18, you can send texts via satellite when you're out of cell coverage.

This is GREAT news for people who drive or recreate in remote areas, disaster preparedness, and for search and rescue teams.

Last time I checked, a Garmin inReach Mini retails for $400, plus a monthly subscription that starts at $15, or an extra $180 a year.  Might want to save your money.  And sell that Garmin stock. 

Yes, there are lots more questions! 

  • How much will the service cost?

  • What geographic areas will initially be covered?

  • What about Samsung phones?

I’m simply passing on the latest news from Apple, and can't answer these questions.

Even without knowing all the details, I think we can agree that this is a huge advancement in technology that could be a tremendous benefit to anyone working, traveling, or recreating in remote areas. 

Map of cell phone coverage from all carriers in the western United States, (from a GaiaGPS screen grab)

You can see substantial portions of Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado Rockies, Oregon and Washington Cascades, and the California Sierra lack cell coverage. That's where most of the fun is!

image: GaiaGPS screen grab

 
John Godino