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:
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.
Messages 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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