iPhone Users in Japan Can Now Send Messages via Satellite
SMRTR summary
Deep in the mountains of Japan, where cell towers can't reach and Wi-Fi signals fade to nothing, iPhone users can now send a simple "hello" message bouncing off satellites orbiting hundreds of miles above Earth. Apple quietly rolled out its Messages via satellite feature to Japan, joining emergency SOS and location sharing as the third satellite-powered service available in the country.
The technology works on iPhone 14 or later and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, prompting users to connect to the nearest satellite when they attempt to send a message without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Once connected, users can send iMessages, SMS texts, and even emoji with the same end-to-end encryption as ground-based communications.
The feature requires iOS 18 or later and remains free for all users with compatible devices, extending Apple's satellite capabilities beyond emergencies into everyday communication for those venturing beyond the digital grid.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Mac Rumors.
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