PSA: Install iOS 18 with Messages via satellite for your Hurricane Milton prep – 9to5Mac

Hurricane Milton currently looks like an extremely dangerous threat to the state of Florida. If you are in Milton’s path, or you know someone who is, there’s a key piece of hurricane prep I highly recommend: install iOS 18 so you can start using Messages via satellite.

As I write this, Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the state of Florida on Wednesday night. I’m a Florida resident, so I’m currently in the middle of evacuating with my family to get to a safe area.

If you’re a Florida local, or you know someone who is, I have one item of hurricane prep to add to your to-do list: install iOS 18.

There’s a key new iPhone feature in iOS 18 that’s perfect for emergency situations. It’s called Messages via satellite.

Essentially, with Messages via satellite you can contact friends and family using a satellite connection on your iPhone.

So if cell towers get knocked out, or you lose power and Wi-Fi access, there’s a backup solution available for important communications.

Messages via satellite served as a lifeline to survivors of the recent Hurricane Helene, but it also came at a time when many iPhone users were still running iOS 17.

If you or someone you know could potentially end up without a connection in the days ahead, I highly recommend updating to iOS 18 so Messages via satellite will be an option for you.

How to use Messages via satellite in iOS 18

After installing iOS 18, you can do a demo of Messages via satellite by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Navigate to Apps ⇾ Messages
3. Scroll down and hit Satellite Connection Demo

This will walk you through the process of gaining a satellite connection to send critical updates to your loved ones. It’s great prep in case you need to use the feature later.

Note: Messages via satellite requires an iPhone 14 or later, as only those models feature satellite connectivity.

There is also a related feature in prior versions of iOS called Emergency SOS via satellite. This lets you connect with emergency responders to get assistance. The iOS 18 feature, Messages via satellite, lets you contact any friend or family member to update them on how you’re doing.

Have you used Messages via satellite? How has it worked for you? Let us know in the comments.

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