Hurricane Milton is on the verge of making landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida as it approaches the Tampa Bay area. Many residents are concerned about widespread and potentially prolonged power outages that could affect cell phone service, a situation reminiscent of what many people faced during Hurricane Helene.
However, iPhone users may not have to worry about this issue. Apple’s latest iOS 18 system update has introduced a new feature that can be a lifesaver, helping users establish contact with family members and emergency personnel even in situations where the network is down. An example shared by The Wall Street Journal illustrates the potential of this new feature.
30-year-old Matt Van Swol, who lives 10 miles outside of Asheville, North Carolina, found himself unable to reach his family during a recent storm when mobile networks and Wi-Fi were down. However, after the storm passed, he stepped outside and pointed his iPhone 15 Pro Max towards the sky, and the phone immediately displayed “Satellite Network Connected.”
“Suddenly, my phone started receiving texts from my parents and friends,” said Van Swol, who works at a smart home company. “I immediately burst into tears, finally able to send a message to my parents.”
Starting from the iPhone 14 series, Apple quietly upgraded its popular smartphones to include satellite calling capabilities. Initially intended for emergency services, with the release of iOS 18, users can now send messages to family and friends even when the network is down. Following Hurricane Helene, many people relied on their iPhones for communication, as reported by The Washington Post’s on-site journalist in Asheville.
Any iPhone model from iPhone 14 and above running iOS 18 can send iMessage or SMS texts to anyone via satellite connection. It is important that the receiving iPhone user also has iOS 18 installed.
Users can access this feature in two ways, either through the “Control Center” or “Settings” menu.
Control Center:
Swipe down from the top right corner of the iPhone to open the Control Center, then tap the box containing the Wi-Fi symbol. From there, users can see the “Satellite” option. Tap on it and select “Try Demo.”
During the demo, users can choose to send and receive messages via satellite, update the shared location, get roadside assistance, or send an emergency SOS.
Users can also learn how to connect their iPhone to a satellite through the video player located at the top of the screen.
Settings:
Users can also open the iPhone settings, tap on “Satellite,” and follow the instructions to establish a connection. Apple notes that the option to connect via satellite will not appear if Wi-Fi or cellular service is still available on the iPhone.
Apple Support recommends using this feature outdoors under clear skies for optimal performance. Avoid obstructing the connection by staying clear of overhead trees or tall buildings.
The phone does not need to be held up high; holding it at a normal height with your hand is sufficient, but avoid placing it in a pocket or bag.
Once the satellite connection is established, it should remain active even if the phone is locked.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton strengthened to a Category 5 storm on Tuesday afternoon, heading towards the Florida coast with sustained winds reaching 165 miles per hour, and its size is expanding.
The Hurricane Center has issued storm surge and hurricane warnings for the eastern coast of Florida and Georgia.
(Information referenced from The Hill)