A LIFE-SAVING gadget feature is now supported by millions of older phone models.
The update went out overnight, giving iPhone customers the ability to send texts without phone signal.
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It works using satellites circling the Earth – rather than connecting you to phone masts.
Previously, only the iPhone 14 and later supported the tech.
But Apple’s new iOS 18.5 update lets any iPhone 13 model also connect to satellite services provided by phone carriers.
That includes 2021’s iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
You can bag the new iOS 18.5 upgrade for free by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
Sadly, there are some catches.
The first is that iPhone 13 owners still won’t be able to use Apple’s official Emergency SOS via Satellite feature.
This is a built-in tool that lets you directly contact emergency services via satellite.
Secondly, although support for satellite tech has been added to the iPhone 13, it doesn’t mean you can access it right away.
You’ll need a carrier that offers satellite connectivity, and for it to be included as part of your plan.
In the US, T-Mobile is currently trialling satellite texting powered by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites.
But no UK providers are currently offering the service.
So if you want to send texts over satellite in the UK, you’ll still need an iPhone 14 or later for now.
UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!
Of course that’s not the only change rolling out to iPhone owners with iOS 18.5.
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APPLE’S OFFICIAL SATELLITE TIPS
Here’s the official guidance from Apple on connecting to satellites…
- Be outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
- Be aware that trees with light foliage might slow down the connection. Dense foliage, hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures might block the connection.
- Hold your iPhone naturally in your hand. You don’t need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don’t put it in a pocket or backpack.
- If you need to turn left or right or move to avoid a blocked signal, your iPhone provides onscreen instructions.
- The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.
- Satellite connectivity might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Alaska.
There’s a new wallpaper, a notification for parents when Screen Time passcodes are used on their child’s device, and an option to ‘Buy with iPhone’ when making Apple TV app purchases on other devices.
Apple also said that it has wrapped in some security fixes into the update, which makes it even more important to install.
The tech giant often uses iOS updates to fix security loopholes that hackers can exploit to target you.
By updating your iPhone, you close these loopholes that cyber-criminals might have taken advantage of.
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iOS 18 devices – can your iPhone get it?
Here are the devices that can get the new iOS 18 update
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
It’s one of the best protections against online crime – especially as iOS updates are free and quick to install.
If your iPhone is so old that it can no longer get the latest iOS updates, that’s a big security problem.
So you should consider upgrading to a newer device to get the latest security fixes.
Plus, new iOS updates add the latest features, which is a bonus.
HOW TO DEMO APPLE’S SATELLITE FEATURE
Here’s what you need to know…
You can try the Satellite Connection Demo to get to grips with this feature before you need to use it.
Remember: you’ll need to be outside with a clear view of the sky.
Trees and hills can block your signal, so try to go somewhere that’s very open.
Go to Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone.
Then tap on the Cellular button on the right of the Control Centre.
Next tap Satellite, and then choose Try Demo.
Choose what you want to test, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
You can also access it in the Settings app.
Go to either Settings > Apps > Messages and choose Satellite Connection Demo, or go to Settings > Emergency SOS to test out the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature.
HOW TO TEXT VIA SATELLITE ON IPHONE 14 OR LATER
For the iPhone 14 or later, you can send text messages via satellite very easily – and it works for both Brits and Americans.
First make sure you’ve got iOS 18 installed by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Then before you go out of range of signal, make sure iMessage is turned on, and that you have an active SIM.
Once you’re somewhere without signal, go to Messages, wait for the pop-up saying you’ve got no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, and then tap Use Messages via Satellite.
Follow the instructions to get connected to the satellite, enter a message, and then tap Send.
It might take a few minutes for your text to go through, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to have a conversation.
