This iPhone feature could save your life in a hurricane Renato Bond | usagoldmines.com

An iPhone satellite messaging function might assist save lives throughout a hurricane.

The function was added throughout a latest working system replace for tens of millions of Apple customers. It got here simply in time, Individuals affected by Hurricane Helene stated on social media.

“I’ve by no means been extra grateful to be an iPhone consumer. As a result of lack of cell service, EVERYONE in Asheville NC proper now on iOS 18 has been in a position to get messages in and out with the Satellite tv for pc messaging function,” North Carolina-based Matt Van Swol, a photographer in Asheville, stated in a put up on X that now has practically 9 million views. “That is actually saving lives.”

“Sure. I used to be in a position to ship out texts for my household after we couldn’t get out as a result of all exits had been blocked by bushes and energy traces,” consumer @timotheeej replied to the thread.

“I used it to contact my household in GA and allow them to know that we had been alright. It’s so superior,” stated Mike Monti.

Messages via satellite permit individuals to achieve household and mates straight from the Messages app when they’re with out mobile and Wi-Fi protection. It’s obtainable for these with the eighteenth model of Apple’s iOS, together with current satellite tv for pc options within the US and Canada on iPhone 14s and later fashions. Apple says it’s free for 2 years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or newer telephone.

Customers are required to have a provider cellular phone plan and SMS messaging by way of satellite tv for pc is out there in these which can be supported. Apple says messaging charges could apply.

The function works when iPhone house owners are exterior, with a transparent view of the sky and horizon.

“When going off the grid, you might be instantly prompted to connect with the closest satellite tv for pc proper from the Messages app to start messaging over satellite tv for pc,” the tech big stated.

Upon connecting to the satellite tv for pc, iPhone customers may even see the choice to textual content emergency providers utilizing Emergency SOS by way of satellite tv for pc, get assist with automobile troubles utilizing Roadside Help by way of satellite tv for pc, and share their location utilizing Discover My by way of satellite tv for pc, in locations the place the providers can be found.

A field on the high of the display exhibits the energy of the connection utilizing indicator dots, and arrows that direct the consumer to show left or proper. Tapping the field opens a Connection Assistant for extra assist.

Whereas customers will get any SMS messages that had been despatched earlier than utilizing the satellite tv for pc, they received’t obtain messages till the particular person they’re messaging faucets Ship by way of Satellite tv for pc beneath their message bubble. The messages would possibly take as much as half-hour to ship in very best circumstances and even longer underneath bushes with gentle or medium foliage. Heavy foliage and different objects could hinder the connection solely.

Photographs, movies, audio messages, stickers, or messages in a gaggle usually are not supported by Messages by way of satellite tv for pc.

If the particular person you’re texting doesn’t have an up to date iPhone or has a non-Apple gadget, customers can attain them utilizing SMS messaging by way of satellite tv for pc.

However, Apple stated it shouldn’t be utilized in emergencies.

“For those who’re someplace with no mobile and Wi-Fi protection and in an emergency state of affairs, you need to as a substitute textual content emergency providers utilizing Emergency SOS via satellite,” it suggested.