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iPhone Satellite Messaging Review

Casual outdoor enthusiasts (or even those that occasionally find themselves in an emergency without cell signal) now have access to satellite communications - with caveats
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iPhone Satellite Messaging Review
Credit: Apple
Price:  $999 List
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Manufacturer:   Apple
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 20, 2024
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 13
  • SOS/Emergency Messaging - 30% 10.0
  • Non-Emergency Messaging - 25% 6.0
  • Signal Coverage - 20% 2.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Portability - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

All iPhone 14 and newer variants have satellite communication functionality that is free for two years after activation. Since introducing non-emergency messaging in September 2024, we have tested the satellite texting function in wild places from Nevada to Wyoming. We did not use the “Satellite SOS” feature in an emergency. Is the Satellite messaging features on the newest iPhones useful for outdoor recreationists? We still (currently) recommend that outdoor enthusiasts have a dedicated satellite communication option like the Garmin inReach Messenger.
REASONS TO BUY
Satellite communication built into your omnipresent smartphone
REASONS TO AVOID
Must aim the phone to send and receive messages
Limited satellite coverage
Further reliance on smartphone
Editor's Note: We tested and reviewed the emergency SOS function in 2022 and then, when Apple added non emergency messaging with iOS 18 in September of 2024 we revisited this product and features. We tested the satellite texting for a few months, side by side with dedicated devices and services.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall with Photo and Voice Messaging
Editors' Choice Award
Best Value for Messaging
Best Buy Award
Occasional Activation Bang for the Buck
Best Buy Award
Great Value for SOS Only
Price $999 List$500.00 at REI
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$234.49 at Amazon
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$199.95 at REI
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$369.95 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
68
88
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84
54
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A whole new cohort of consumers now has access to satellite communications but it's not a perfect systemThis is the best and most feature-rich device and service on the market. That it does it all with remarkable portability and battery life further seals the dealThere are devices that have more features but those features are unnecessary and come at the cost of more useful functionA compact, full service satellite messenger that has all you need, and is close to all you would wantA small, satellite-linked emergency communicator that is exactly what you need and nothing more
Rating Categories iPhone Satellite Me... Garmin inReach Mess... Garmin inReach Mess... ACR Bivy Stick Ocean Signal rescue...
SOS/Emergency Messaging (30%)
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
4.0
Non-Emergency Messaging (25%)
6.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
1
Signal Coverage (20%)
2.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
6.5
6.5
7.0
9.0
Portability (10%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Specs iPhone Satellite Me... Garmin inReach Mess... Garmin inReach Mess... ACR Bivy Stick Ocean Signal rescue...
2-way Messaging? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
2-way Messaging Available via Cellular/Wifi? Yes Yes Yes No No
Custom Messaging Viewable and Composable on Device? Yes Yes Yes No No
Passive Tracking (turn on and forget about it - viewers at home can watch your progress on the web) No Yes Yes Yes No
Weight w/ Batteries 7.3 oz 4.1 oz 4.0 oz 3.6 oz 4.0 oz
Battery Life Depends on other phone usage Up to 25 days in low power mode Up to 28 days with a message or location sent every 10 minutes with full sky view Up to 120 hours 24 hours
Waterproof Rating IP68 (protection from harmful dust. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion at least 30 minutes) IPX7 (No dust rating. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion up to 30 minutes) IPX7 (No dust rating. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion up to 30 minutes) IP67 (protection from harmful dust. Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion up to 30 minutes) No Formal Rating. Likely exceeds rating system. Claimed "Up to 15 meters"
Pairs with Smartphone? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Requires recipient to use a special app for two-way communications? No No, but recipient must use special for photos and audio messages No Yes N/A
On Device Functions (if you lose or disable your smartphone) All function is on phone All, but very slow to text All, but very slow to text SOS, check-in, tracking. All texting requires smartphone. All.
Satellite Network Globalstar Iridium Iridium Iridium COSPAS/SARSAT
Dispatch service Apple Garmin Response Team Garmin Response Team Global Rescue COSPAS/SARSAT
Dimensions 5.8" x 2.8" x 0.3" 3.1" x 2.5" x 0.9" 3.1" x 2.5" x 0.9" 1.9" x .9" x 4.5" 3.0" x 2.0" x 1.3"
Volume 4.9 CU IN 6.9 CU IN 6.9 CU IN 7.7 CU IN 6.8 CU IN

Our Analysis and Test Results

With the satellite messaging service on the iPhone 14 and newer models, Apple brings satellite communication directly to your ever-present smartphone. The phone you carry to take pictures and navigate to the trailhead will now provide emergency satellite communications (with all the same caveats of other satellite communication options) and basic non-emergency messaging. It works and is worth considering.

Performance Comparison


iphone satellite messaging - casual, close outdoor adventures are exactly where something like...
Casual, close outdoor adventures are exactly where something like the Apple Satellite Emergency SOS function will shine. Even if you own a dedicated satellite messenger, you might not always have it with you. But you do always have your smartphone.
Credit: Jediah Porter

SOS/Emergency Message


The Satellite Emergency SOS feature on the newest Apple iPhones is a big step in smartphone technology. Technologically, the iPhone SOS messaging is the same as what has long been available in products from other manufacturers in our review. Apple uses the same satellites (with the same, or greater, coverage and timing limitations) as others. Built into a smartphone, though, the interface is inherently smoother and, in some ways, more intuitive.

iphone satellite messaging - when you have no regular cell signal and no peripheral or marginal...
When you have no regular cell signal and no peripheral or marginal cell signal, the “SOS” icon on top of your screen pops up to indicate that emergency calls will be routed through iPhone 14's satellite service.
Credit: Jediah Porter

In an emergency, you dial 911 regardless of what the top of your phone screen might say about cell coverage (if you are in a foreign country where Apple has gotten their satellite messaging approved, you will dial the local emergency number in that country). 911 calls tap into a greater cell coverage network than your regular service plan will. If your phone gets a cellular signal, it will normally connect to the 911 call. It will automatically initiate the satellite Emergency SOS protocol if it cannot connect to a cellular tower. That protocol usually involves you entering a few details about your emergency and then sharing a series of text-only messages back and forth with the dispatch center. Satellite messages (regardless of the device) take longer than regular texts (especially in densely forested or very steep terrain --satellite coverage isn't fully comprehensive, even within the stated coverage area, and this is true of all devices) and, of course, the actual response to your emergency will depend a great deal on local terrain, weather, other emergencies, and search and rescue resources/infrastructure. “Instant,” ubiquitous communication coverage is just the first step in getting help to your location. That communication is all that the new iPhone technology accomplishes.

iphone satellite messaging - demo mode of the iphone 14 satellite emergency sos. this demo mode...
Demo mode of the iPhone 14 Satellite Emergency SOS. This demo mode sends the messages you type and receives “bot” messages via actual satellite service, but no one on the other end is monitoring them.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Non-Emergency Messaging


As of September 2024, all iPhones with satellite hardware (iPhone 14 and newer) and updated software allow for basic texting through satellite connection. You can send small text messages to anyone you could and would otherwise text with. And they can text you back. You won't get all of your text messages and won't be able to participate in group text threads.

iphone satellite messaging - sending a non-emergency location "pin" via satellite on the iphone...
Sending a non-emergency location “pin” via satellite on the iPhone 14. This is an otherwise under-appreciated feature of this technology.
Credit: Jediah Porter

From satellite service, you can send anyone a text message. You will be able to receive messages for 24 hours from the last satellite message to those you've sent a satellite text message. You will receive all satellite-eligible messages from those with which you have enabled “Family Sharing” or “Emergency Contacts” status. You have to think a little about your sat texting, and you likely have to align your expectations with the person at the other end of the conversation. You cannot share any “media” (pictures, videos, etc) via satellite.

iphone satellite messaging - a stuck truck on a sunny day with healthy passengers likely does not...
A stuck truck on a sunny day with healthy passengers likely does not justify activating 911 services. In this case, having the two-way, non-emergency messaging of a dedicated satellite device was crucial. The iPhone 14 satellite messaging was not of assistance in this situation.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Signal Coverage


Apple uses the GlobalStar satellite network for the iPhone satellite functionality. This is the same network that one of the longest-running companies in the outdoor communication game uses. GlobalStar offers coverage throughout all low to moderate latitudes (below 62 degrees). Technologically, Apple Satellite could work anywhere there is GlobalStar coverage (within normal satellite communication limitations). However, logistically, communications are locally regulated, and emergency response is locally executed. Because of this, Apple Satellite SOS and satellite messaging are only available in approved areas. Coverage for the US and Canada rolled out in November of 2022. We tested in Southern Argentina in December of 2022. We were in a location with GlobalStar coverage, but the “SOS” icon on the iPhone was not visible. Nor was the demo mode or Find My satellite location service. Testing of other devices employing GlobalStar in Alaska has indicated some functionality, but GlobalStar calls that coverage “marginal” at best.
You have to turn the phone with some regularity. To maintain ergonomics, this means you have to turn your whole self.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Beyond the stated coverage area of the satellite network, satellite connectivity is a function of the device's satellite antenna. Smartphones have lots of instrumentation crammed into them. Fitting in a satellite antenna requires that that antenna is quite small. Compared to dedicated satellite texting devices, the antenna in the iPhone is quite small. We know this because of this logical deduction and because of the way the signal connection on the iPhone works. You must activate and aim the satellite antenna for each message send and retrieval. In theory, this doesn't sound too bad; you must have your phone in hand and in sight to compose or view the message anyway. However, this greatly lengthens and complicates the procedure for sending and viewing messages in practice and testing. In many sorts of real outdoor circumstances (steep terrain, forested), seeking and maintaining a satellite connection requires close attention and minutes of your time for each text message you send or receive. Our testing found the attention, time, and manipulation required to acquire and maintain a connection distracting and consuming. After initial setup, devices and services with larger antennae are much easier to use regarding connection status.

iphone satellite messaging - the satellite antenna in iphone 14 is directional. the prompts on...
The satellite antenna in iPhone 14 is directional. The prompts on the screen are to help you get messages in and out faster. Even without moving your phone, in most outdoor circumstances, it will eventually work.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Ease of Use


Like all mass market, well-developed smartphone apps, the user interface for Apple's iPhone satellite function is slick and easy. That said, it is a technical product and has limitations, so some user understanding is necessary. But Apple, in our experience, makes that process easier than most. As noted above, the primary limitations are acquiring and maintaining satellite connection. Unlike other devices and services on the market, satellite texting with the iPhone requires attention. Otherwise, user matters are better than your “regular” texting protocols, most of which are enumerated above. You need to compose shorter texts, you can't participate in group texts, you can only receive texts from certain people, and you can't send or receive non-text media.

iphone satellite messaging - find the satellite sos demo mode in the settings of your iphone 14
Find the satellite SOS demo mode in the Settings of your iPhone 14
Credit: Jediah Porter

Portability


The smallest iPhone is bigger and heavier than the smallest satellite messengers. Those smaller satellite messengers (more than half the weight and size of an iPhone) also do more in satellite communication than the iPhone. In simple terms, the iPhone is very big and heavy for satellite communications. However, you will likely have a smartphone with you anyway. Who, really, “in this day and age,” leaves their smartphone at home while out hiking? If you will carry your smartphone anyway, the iPhone satellite functionality adds nothing to your kit's weight and bulk. We didn't give it the highest portability score because of its weight and bulk, but that isn't the whole story.

iphone satellite messaging - whether for deep wilderness or non-outdoorsy-types that occasionally...
Whether for deep wilderness or non-outdoorsy-types that occasionally get off grid, the satellite SOS of the iPhone 14 is useful but demands some understanding of function and limitations.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Should You Buy the Apple iPhone 14?


Yes, if…

If you are ready to upgrade your smartphone anyway, the satellite communication functionality of the iPhone should factor into your decision. That choice is harder if you already have a satellite communication device or will get one for its two-way wilderness messaging. If you are a casual outdoors person “on the fence” about satellite communications and the associated investment, the iPhone 14 is a great intermediate step.

What Other Satellite Messengers Should You Consider?


Currently, nothing else in our test is like the iPhone 14. With it, you get messaging “off the grid” and with no extra electronics to carry (or subscribe to, for now — Apple indicated in 2022 that Satellite Connection would be free "for two years"). In the past, on the most remote trips, members of our test team would carry a smartphone, a primary 2-way satellite messenger like the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus, and a compact emergency-only device like the Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1. With an iPhone 14 or newer in the group, the OceanSignal device can be omitted while maintaining communication redundancy. If you wish to use just the iPhone for wilderness communications, make sure your contacts at home understand the realities of such communication. If you want a routine, two-way connection to the outside world, you need something like the inReach Messenger or ACR Bivy Stick.

Texting, via satellite, to and from the iPhone requires a little navigation of prompted steps.
Credit: Jediah Porter


Jediah Porter