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Apple never ceases to amaze us with its innovations. This time around, a brand new feature in iOS 18 allowed hurricane victims to communicate in the middle of a disaster.
Without network, without electricity, but with an iPhone. The American site 9to5mac reports that American disaster victims escaped the worst thanks to a providential satellite connection.
A text message to space that saves lives
Technology works miracles, and Apple is once again proof. During Hurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern United States, several victims found themselves isolated, without electricity and without any cellular network. The situation seemed hopeless, but fortunately some of them had a latest generation iPhone in their pocket. The recently rolled out iOS 18 has a brand new feature for sending text messages via satellite. Yes, you read correctly: by satellite!
The principle is simple: simply point your phone towards the sky to connect to the nearest satellite, using instructions displayed on the screen. Provided you have a clear view and are outside, of course. Several users have shared moving testimonials on social media about how this feature allowed them to contact emergency services.
Apple still ahead, but Android follows closely
At the moment, this satellite texting feature is exclusively available in the United States, on iPhone 14 and newer models, but its impact is already notable. Apple had already introduced the ability to make emergency calls via satellite in 2022, and this new step marks a major step forward for user safety. Share your location in a white zone, and even the most remote areas will no longer hold any secrets for rescuers!
The competition, however, is not far away. Android 15, scheduled for this fall, will also integrate this type of service. All that remains is for smartphone manufacturers to update themselves to match Apple’s technological prowess.
A heavy toll, but hope remains connected
Despite this innovation which helped save lives, the results of Hurricane Helene remain tragic, with more than 150 deaths and considerable material damage in the southeast of the United States. But for those who were able to send a distress message via satellite, this technology clearly made a difference.