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Hurricane Helene has caused massive damage and taken over 100 lives across several US states. Many thousands of people are without power and/or cell service. But in the wake of the storm, reports have surfaced about a key iOS 18 feature that has been a lifeline for survivors: Messages via satellite.
iOS 18 feature provides messaging with no cell service
Apple added Messages via satellite to millions of iPhones via its recent iOS 18 update. And now, according to reports on social media, it seems the feature arrived just in time.
Here are a few tweets highlighting how useful the feature has proven:
I’ve never been more thankful to be an iPhone user.
Due to the lack of cell service, EVERYONE in Asheville NC right now on iOS 18 has been able to get messages out and in with the Satellite messaging feature.
This is literally saving lives @Apple. pic.twitter.com/k0FOIgKlRk
This new iOS 18 feature came in handy yesterday. I was able to contact my son. Unfortunately no one else in the family had the latest iOS installed so he was the only person who received my messages and later replied.
When this is a Starlink feature it will be incredible. pic.twitter.com/8dFBAUQkv1
Also, with Verizon service absolutely dead after the hurricane, the @Apple Satellite Messaging service, was extremely helpful to reach out and let family know we were safe, etc.
Such a helpful utility in times like this.
A common message across social media around the time Helene hit hardest was a call for users to update to iOS 18 so they’ll gain access to this feature. Apple notably shipped iOS 18 and iOS 17.7 simultaneously, leading many to stick with 17 for now.
Apple donating to relief efforts
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted earlier today that the company would make a donation to help the relief efforts.
We’re thinking of all those facing the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Apple will be making a donation to help with relief efforts on the ground.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 30, 2024Messages via satellite is truly the kind of feature that can save lives, and likely has already done so. Apple’s various health features have proven their own worth with countless life-saving stories, but access to satellite messaging is another key area that new Apple features are making a huge impact.
To learn more about Messages via satellite, Apple has a support document available here.
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