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Scott P wrote: ↑Wed Jun 12, 2024 1:21 pm
I don't have an iPhone, but I would switch if you don't have to be in network to send texts.
The info says:
Apple is expanding the capabilities of its satellite messaging on the iPhone. The new iOS 18 update will broaden the availability beyond emergency messaging, and Messages via satellite will be an option when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are not available.
Does this work when you are outside the US or do they charge you extra? I guess that's a question for the cellular company, but I'm just curious if anyone else is planning on using it while travelling overseas.
Emergency SOS is only available in select countries. No word on what, if any country restriction would be on messaging. I imagine there's quite a bit more info that will come out between now and the fall when the upgraded iOS comes out. The footnote on the iOS preview is: "Messages via satellite will be available in iOS 18 along with our existing satellite features in the United States on iPhone 14 and later"
Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.
Scott P wrote: ↑Wed Jun 12, 2024 1:21 pm
Does this work when you are outside the US or do they charge you extra? I guess that's a question for the cellular company, but I'm just curious if anyone else is planning on using it while travelling overseas.
So long as you bought the phone here and are planning to use it in the countries dwoodward13 posted you're probably good. No word yet on whether they will charge for use and how much it would be. My guess is SOS stays free for now, I wouldn't be surprised if the messaging feature becomes a subscription.
Scott P wrote: ↑Wed Jun 12, 2024 1:21 pm
I would switch if you don't have to be in network to send texts.
You don't need your phone to be activated to use iMessage as it is internet based, so the same should apply for the satellite support. You would only be able to message people with iPhones (or iPads, Macs, etc.) in that case. SMS messages are tied to phone numbers, so I would assume SMS wouldn't work without an active cell service plan.
I would not think this feature will be much use in the backcountry. Just because the call may get thru doesn't mean the calvary is on the way. As 5g takes over your cell phone distances will be greatly diminished. That's why 5g requires more towers. Also, if it's free, you get what you pay for.
XterraRob wrote: ↑Wed Jun 12, 2024 3:46 pm
I wonder how much the backcountry emergency calls would increase with this added feature.
I don't think much since the ability to send for help/SOS via satellite has already been a feature of the iPhones for a couple of years now, and I believe it did increase emergency calls after it hit the market.
I had the opportunity to test this out today with my iPhone on the new iOS beta. I was deep in a basin with no cell service, surrounded by mountains.
It overall went very well. This will likely become something I use often. The ease of use and lack of subscription compared to the inreach is exciting, though I certainly wouldn’t trust it yet over a PLB in an emergency.
Here are some observations:
I connected to the satellites over a dozen times. Twice I was obstructed by mountains, the rest I was connected within 30 seconds.
Messages typically took 5-20 seconds to send. I had no issues sending or receiving. I could only use iMessage with people on the new update, for everyone else it used regular SMS.
I could update my location via the Find My app. Anyone I shared with was able to see where I was on a map like the inreach feature. One key downfall is that this is not a persistent ping and requires manually updating.
There was a lot of cloud cover, but I was able to connect fine. Tree cover was mixed, with dense cover having a noticeable impact on the connection.
The UI for it all is fancy. It had loading animations for upload and download, and I could see how many messages it was downloading. When connected, there’s a persistent banner in the Notification Center and Dynamic Island that show you how to orient the phone while you have other apps open.
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I too tested this out this past weekend. It works great! I really liked the tracking animation, made it super easy to find and maintain connection with satellite.
colingoodman wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27, 2024 6:22 pm
I had the opportunity to test this out today with my iPhone on the new iOS beta. I was deep in a basin with no cell service, surrounded by mountains.
HikerGuy wrote: ↑Wed Jul 31, 2024 10:14 am
I too tested this out this past weekend. It works great! I really liked the tracking animation, made it super easy to find and maintain connection with satellite.
I was in the process of downloading the beta to try this out but chickened out over fears that it (the beta iOS18, not the messaging itself) could cause battery drain or compatibility issues with the Gaia/Caltopo apps that I use while hiking. Do either of you use either of these and have issues, or any other issues?
MidsizeAl wrote: ↑Wed Jul 31, 2024 11:45 am
I was in the process of downloading the beta to try this out but chickened out over fears that it (the beta iOS18, not the messaging itself) could cause battery drain or compatibility issues with the Gaia/Caltopo apps that I use while hiking. Do either of you use either of these and have issues, or any other issues?
I had the same thought the evening before I drove down to Lake City...is this really a good idea, haha. I had no issue with battery drain (seemed about the same) and CalTopo worked perfectly. Biggest issue for me was getting used to some of the OS interface changes, gotta relearn what and where to tap for certain things. Still getting used to the revamped Photos, lot of changes there. I have an iPhone 15 Pro.
MidsizeAl wrote: ↑Wed Jul 31, 2024 11:45 am
I was in the process of downloading the beta to try this out but chickened out over fears that it (the beta iOS18, not the messaging itself) could cause battery drain or compatibility issues with the Gaia/Caltopo apps that I use while hiking. Do either of you use either of these and have issues, or any other issues?
I use Gaia and Goat Maps. I have not had any issues save for a couple small UI bugs in the OS (not in either of those apps), though it’s not a bad idea to wait until the full version is out this September
SchralpTheGnar wrote: ↑Wed Jul 31, 2024 6:37 pm
Is there a way to test if you have this feature working before you're cliffed out in Zion NP?
Yes, in the settings app you should be able to search for satellite or SOS and conduct a little demo.
