The iOS 18 operating system is full of new features. From aesthetic ones, like changing icon colors, to battery life optimizations. However, Apple has also included a new function related to SOS emergencies.
Since the iPhone 14, we can make emergency calls via satellite. Something really useful in periods without coverage, such as in high mountains, on somewhat isolated roads and during natural disasters. This is not the first case in which this feature saves lives, and now we have to add dozens of users who took advantage of the new iOS 18 option, which did not exist until now.
With iOS 18 you can send messages via satellite to your contacts
Users in the United States (and later other countries) will be able to take advantage of the global satellite network to send messages between iPhone when there is no coverage. With an interface, as characterized by Apple, you can connect to the satellite in a simple way and communicate with family or friends in case of emergency.
This is precisely what helped dozens of people after Hurricane Elena hit the United States. Unfortunately, there were human losses, many injured and millions of people without electricity or internet access due to broken telephone cables and mobile data antennas. In these conditions, how do you communicate if you need help?
iPhone 14 and later users who updated to iOS 18 They were able to contact relatives to tell them everything is okay.or to inform them otherwise: that they need help. Some of the personal cases are as follows:
I was in Tennessee. We had no internet or cell service. All the bridges were collapsed or underwater and there was no escape. Satellite messages helped us stay in touch with the outside world.
With Verizon service completely unavailable after the hurricane, Apple’s satellite messaging service was extremely helpful in communicating with family and letting them know we were safe.
There is a whole chain of posts on X with cPersonal things that help us form an idea of what these people suffered. And it also makes us think about Apple’s quiet innovation. This feature, as well as many others, such as car accident detection or the health algorithms of the Apple Watch, make the difference.
In fact, the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely integrate satellite calling three years after Apple. And several timesWe watch bigger newssuch as increasing megapixels or battery life… but there are times when innovating also means saving you from extreme situations, like those experienced in recent hours in the United States.
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