IOS 18 is available

[nphunter]

I hope I’m wrong, but I’m expecting satellite texting via cell phones won’t be free for very long.

Sending data via satellite costs $, can’t see cell companies not wanting to recoup those costs.

My phone is paid for by my work. I’m sure they would be happy to pay for satellite messaging and be able to get ahold of me 24/7.

Garmin wants $0.50 for each message now. I use to have a sat phone but it was like $1100 a year with like 60min/month.

 

[ozyclint]

"Messages via satellite is available in the U.S. and Canada. It's free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (all models)."

And after?

So it only works if you live at the center of the universe?

It's ok, those of us outsude the event horizon are used to it.

 

[Forestryguy]

Possibly already discussed, and I missed it. Can satellite messages be received by an Android phone, and can they message back?

Is TMobile the only provider setting up StarLink for phones in the future?

 

[Cleriger]

"Messages via satellite is available in the U.S. and Canada. It's free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (all models)."

And after?

Costs after two years?

 

[BBob]

Costs after two years?

I don't believe they've said what it will cost yet. Gives the market time to sort itself out and see where all the competing tech goes from here.

 

[jtevanMT]

Decided to upgrade my iPhone 11 to a 16 pro this week. In-Reach will still be in my pack, but hope to leave it home if satellite messaging works as advertised. Also need to convince others in my group to make the change. Too bad you can’t message from In-Reach to iPhone.

 

[3Esski]

Saw a post somewhere that Android will have satellite via starlink in 2025, the Samsung 25 or whatever it is at now.

 

[Thinkingman]

I guided a hunter last week in the backcountry, no cell service for miles. He was texting his wife the entire trip without issue on the iphone. I was curious how it would do in heavy timber, since even my inreach struggles at times, it worked flawlessly for him.

First weekend for testing the satellite function on IOS18. We were camped in a 20yd clearing surrounded by 30' reprod.
Sattelite connection worked great.
Our group stayed in touch the entire weekend.
Between this and downloaded maps on OnX, no other tech necessary but I do still carry a lensatic compass JIC>

 

[mtwarden]

My wife and I both got new iPhone 16's for Christmas. I found out that putting your phone in airplane mode (standard procedure when backpacking to save battery life), disables the satellite feature.