AFP quoted the US website 9to5mac as saying that victims of Hurricane Helene in the US were able to communicate via text messages thanks to satellite connections.
Many victims of this natural disaster can still contact emergency services thanks to a new feature on iOS 18, even when losing power and mobile service. This feature has been active for 2 weeks, allowing messages to be sent by connecting to the nearest satellite.
To do this, users need to be outside with a clear view of the sky, then point their iPhone at the nearest communications satellite. On-screen instructions will help users catch the signal.
Many people who used the feature later posted about their experiences on social media, saying it could have saved lives. Currently, the feature is only available through iOS 18, in the US, and only on iPhone 14 or newer models.
Back in 2022, Apple launched the first satellite emergency call, based on the same principle. The technology also allows users to manually share their satellite location with Localiser, which can then pinpoint your location so emergency services can intervene if necessary.
The Android 15 operating system, which is expected to launch in the near future, will also launch this type of service. Now, smartphone manufacturers have to make their phone models compatible with these new features, to be able to keep up with Apple.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has now risen to more than 200, alongside massive damage in the southeastern United States.
iOS 18 is compatible with a wide range of iPhones from the SE (2nd generation and later), XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11 and later. In other words, if you own an iPhone from 2017 or earlier (like the iPhone 8 or iPhone X), you won't be able to upgrade to the latest iOS.
With the newly launched iPhone 16 series, iOS 18 is already integrated on these new devices.
