iPhone owners in Japan can now send messages over a satellite connection. This feature, launched a few hours ago in the country, should allow people without a connection (WiFi or cellular) to continue to communicate with their loved ones. Currently it was only possible to use satellite messages to alert emergency services in emergency situations.
This feature was first announced by Apple at WWDC 2024. It was one of the signature features of iOS 18. It was initially launched in the United States and Canada. Since then it has been slowly spreading across the world.
United States, Japan, Canada and Mexico
In the spring, with the release of iOS 18.4, the feature was launched in Mexico. Japan is therefore the 4th country to receive this option. Other countries are expected to follow soon. Apple has not yet given the names of these nations.
On its support site page, Apple explains that the launch of this feature is subject to “regulation by government agencies, necessary approvals and other market-specific requirements”. Apple assures that it is “trying hard” to extend its capabilities to as many regions as possible.
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How does sending messages by satellite work?
Concretely, this new feature allows you to exchange messages from your iPhone or Apple Watch with loved ones, even in an off-network area. It is particularly useful for hikers or residents of medium and high mountains who have difficulty accessing the traditional network.
All iPhones (since the 14th) have this feature. Only phones sold by Apple in certain countries (like Russia or China) do not have this option natively. The latest Apple Watch Ultra 3 has this feature. It can be used alone, without an iPhone nearby, to send messages to your loved ones.
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By: Keleops AG
