A first look at Apple iOS 18 satellite text messaging: supports emoticons, but not compatible with RCS yet

IT House News on June 14th, Apple has introduced a large number of new functions/features in iOS 18, and one of the major updates is to send information through satellites.

1. Send and receive like regular messages

Users can use this feature to send and receive iMessages and text messages, including emojis and Tapbacks, outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

2. How it works

CNET spoke with Kurt Knight, Apple's senior director of platform product marketing, this week to get a first look at how the feature works, and iJustine provided a similar demo.

Apple said that when the iPhone detects that it is beyond the range of the terrestrial network, a prompt will pop up to allow users to quickly access all available satellite services, including emergency help, roadside assistance, Find My, and the new iMessages.

When the user brings the iPhone into an area not covered by traditional networks, iOS 18 will pop up a card to help the user point the iPhone to an available satellite.

Then users can send and receive messages, emoticons and Tapback just like normal message conversations. Conversations sent via iMessage are also end-to-end encrypted when sent via satellite.

3. Related Limitations

iMessages can freely send messages back and forth via satellite, but SMS has certain limitations due to the volume of promotional messages and automated messages sent via this protocol.

The user's emergency contacts and designated family members can contact you via text message at any time, but for all other contacts, the user can send the first text message to them via satellite, but there will be a certain time limit for the other party's reply time.

4. Not compatible with RCS messages

It’s worth noting that while iOS 18 will support Rich Communications Services (RCS) later this year, messages sent via satellite will not initially work with RCS. Knight said the RCS protocol, at least in Apple's view, has not been optimized to be small enough to work over a satellite connection.

5. Initially only available in the United States, on iPhone 14 and higher devices

IT Home Note: Like Apple’s other satellite services, the "Send Messages via Satellite" service will initially be launched only on iOS 18 systems in the United States. Expansion to other countries will follow.

Apple’s satellite service is available for iPhone 14 and later, and although Apple has said it will eventually charge for satellite service, it is still free for now.

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