• Source:JND
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iOS 18 Features: Cupertino-based tech giant Apple announced iOS 18 preview for developers on June 10. While the update is set to bring sweeping changes (powered by Apple Intelligence), among the prominent changes for communication can be Messages via satellite. Based on the existing satellite capabilities, it will allow users to communicate in case Wi-Fi or cellular connections are unavailable on an iPhone.

According to Apple, the feature will automatically prompt users to connect to a nearby satellite from the Messages app and send/receive messages, SMS, emojis and Tapbacks over iMessage. The Dynamic Island will display whenever a user is connected to a satellite. The tech giant said that iMessages sent via satellite will be end-to-end encrypted.

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This will help users stay connected with friends and family in poor cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity regions. Apple has also confirmed the devices and the country that will support the feature.

Satellite Messaging On iPhone: Availability

"Messages via satellite will be available in iOS 18 along with Apple's existing satellite features in the United States on iPhone 14 and later," the company said. Considering Apple's word, the functionality will be available for iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in the US once iOS 18 starts rolling out.

The upcoming iPhone 16 series (rumoured to launch in September 2024) will likely also get the feature. Apple's existing SOS system has registered significant praise for its use cases in remote areas where connectivity could be an issue. For sending messages via satellites, users must point the smartphone in the right direction during communication. The overlay of the Dynamic Island will remind users to do so.

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At the time of filing, it is unclear whether Apple will charge users for the service or offer the functionality for free. Meanwhile, Apple also introduced new text effects for letters, words, phrases, or emojis for animated appearance in iMessage. People can add formatting (bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough) for messaging. Apart from this, Tapbacks for emojis and stickers, message scheduling and RCS texting were announced for Messages in iOS 18.