The latest software update, iOS 18.5, is now available.
Apple Satellite Messaging
Apple has just released iOS 18.5 and has therefore rolled out several small new functions for his iPhones. The mail and photos apps receive renewed looks and controls. A new Pride Harmony wallpaper is now available. And for parents you get a warning when a screen time code is used on your child’s iPhone.
For the first time, the software update brings in one of Apple’s most hyped functions on its older iPhones.
An iPhone 13 -Opgrade
Thanks to iOS 18.5, the last iPhone Mini now supports satellite messages. – Credit: Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol
When Apple released the iPhone 14 in 2022, one of the striking new functions was the recording of satellite messages. This granted iPhone users who were of the grid and in an emergency situation to send an SOS message via satellite when there was no mobile (or WiFi) coverage available.
When this fall, when Apple rolled out iOS 18, it expanded this possibility to record regular SMS messages (via iMessage and SMS); Instead of just emergency services, you can use a satellite connection to send a message to family or friends.
Satellite messages were rather limited to the iPhone 14 or later. – Credit: Apple
Until this week, however, these satellite messages were only available on Apple’s latest iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 rules. Thanks to iOS 18.5, Apple is also expanding support for satellite messages to his iPhone 13 line.
The service uses the Starlink-driven satellites from T-Mobile and therefore promises to be a better deal for his T-Mobile customers. It costs $ 15/month for T-Mobile customers or $ 20/month for Verizon or AT & T customers.
That said, T-Mobile currently has a free test period until July for everyone in the US who wants to try it out about the free trial period via the T-Mobile support page.
iOS 18.5 is now available. – Credit: Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol
When will it come?
iOS 18.5 is now available for all compatible iPhones. It started to roll out on Monday 12 May.
For more information about satellite messages on the iPhone – or even try a demo – view the Apple support page.
Tucker Bowe has been in the editorial team of Gear Patrol since 2014. As a writer of Tech personnel writer, he follows everything in the consumer technical space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home cinema systems. If it makes lights or noise, he probably covers it.
