Expanding its utilisation of low - flying satellites for models of iPhone starting with the iPhone 14 , Apple total Messages to the solidifying of uncommitted feature film with the press release of iOS 18 . But there are a peck of footnote as to how it works when you ’re aside from cellular and Wi - Fi networks that can call for careful preparation if you need to rely on the service .
message via satellite is bidirectional : once you connect to a artificial satellite ( using the on - machine assistant in Messages or via Control Center ’s web > Satellite menu ) you could send and receive content . Other multitude can also initiate substance to you as soon as you ’re on-line in the correct circumstances .
With an iPhone 14 or later on and iOS 18 , swipe to reveal Control Center , tap the Cellular pane ’s icon at right , and then rap Satellite > essay Demo to see all the option and perform a dry outpouring of connecting .
With an iPhone 14 or later and iOS 18, swipe to reveal Control Center, tap the Cellular pane’s icon at right, and then tap Satellite > Try Demo to see all the options and perform a dry run of connecting.
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Advance requirements
You have to enable iMessage while still on a Wi - Fi or cellular internet and must have a SIM card with an active cell service plan . Messages via satellite leans on the cellular mesh for its feature .
For now , you may use Messages via satellite only within the United States and Canada , although model sell worldwide and used in those countries by house physician ( people with a local cell plan ) or visitors ( masses swan on other plans ) will work . ( The only exclusion is that iPhones sell in Armenia , Belarus , mainland China , Hong Kong , Macao , Kazakhstan , and Russia lack artificial satellite lineament . )
If you plan to practice iMessage with someone , you must have “ recently ” exchanged messages with them using iMessage . Apple does n’t define what that means . In testing with a friend who went off the control grid and with whom I had n’t exchanged an iMessage in a yea ( we utilize Slack and other method acting ) I only watch SMS . However , when I replied , it appeared initially to institutionalize via iMessage before reverting to SMS for subsequent subject matter .
Your iPhone alerts you when Messages via satellite is available. Tap to connect to a satellite.
When iMessage is used
Apple creates an iMessage connection between an iPhone that ’s using the artificial satellite connective and an iPhone running iOS 18.0 or later . The recipient has to have an iPhone to obtain the messages , even though iMessage should work on an iPhone , iPad , or Mac . We have to assume there ’s a telephone - meshwork component in gear up up the connection that requires an iPhone to be part of the commixture .
Your iPhone alarm you when Messages via planet is available . pat to connect to a orbiter .
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Your iPhone helps keep you connected (left). At right, a recipient receives cues in your conversation, such as a Send via Satellite link to send their iMessage.
If the receiving iPhone is n’t running iOS 18.0 or later , the sending phone channelize messages via standard SMS text electronic messaging . ( I have heard from colleagues that they have seen iMessage workplace with 17.6 , but Apple ’s software documentation says 18.0 or later is involve . )
A limited circle of iMessage features are supported : you may send and receive text edition , but no photos , stickers , or audio message , and all connections are one - to - one — no group iMessage communicating .
hoi polloi can answer to you by institutionalise a message and then tap a Send via Satellite inter-group communication . Messages sent this way have a dotted blue outline until transmitted .
Your iPhone facilitate keep you connected ( left ) . At right , a recipient role receives cue in your conversation , such as a Send via Satellite link to station their iMessage .
When SMS is used
If a recipient has a non - Apple equipment or an iPhone that ’s not yet running 18.0 or later , message revert to SMS message . People can answer via SMS if they are either using a non - Apple machine or have iOS 17.6 or later instal . For some reason , people with an iPhone with iOS 17.5 or other can not answer .
subject matter via SMS are line up if the person using a satellite is temporarily unavailable . They ’re then deliver afterward , either via the satellite or cellular meshwork .
Let others initiate a message to you
Apple allows a limited set of people to message you when you have satellite connectivity before you hit out to them . They have to be part of your Family Sharing group or listed in youremergency link . verify you ’ve added the appropriate people before you bequeath a regular coverage area .
mass in those categories can text you using SMS whenever you ’re connected via satellite . If they qualify to practice iMessage , the conversation should “ upgrade ” to iMessage after you respond .
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