iPhone users can send texts via satellite when cell service is down. Here's how.

iPhone users can send texts via satellite when cell service is down. Here’s how.

Benjamin Hughes

Tracking Hurricane Milton: Wednesday 10/9/2024 11AM

Tracking Hurricane Milton: Wednesday 10/9/2024 11AM

10:24

As Hurricane Milton advances on Florida, many iPhone users in the state will have an option for staying connected with loved ones even if the monster storm takes down cell service in the region. 

Apple’s recently introduced mobile operating system, iOS 18, lets iPhone customers send text messages via satellite, as well as to contact emergency services, without a Wi-Fi connection. You need an iPhone 14 or newer model equipped with iOS 18 to use the feature.

How to enable satellite messaging

The iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models are all capable of connecting to satellites, but iOS 18 is required to send text messages, according to Apple.

Megan Cerullo

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

Source: cbsnews.com