Satellite Question for iOS 18 iPhone 16 Pro

Question

Level 1

4 points

Satellite Question for iOS 18 iPhone 16 Pro

Periodically I'm out fishing and I have very spotty/limited cell service which often prevents me from using my iPhone to send messages or make calls. In this use case, it would be great to be able to utilize satellite mode especially for emergency purposes.

I know you can't force satellite mode, but what is Apple's guidance in this scenario as I'd imagine a lot of people are effected by this use case probably more so than not having any cell or Wi-Fi service at all. I'd sure hate to have to go out and spend money on a satellite communication device and service plan when I specifically bought my iPhone 16 Pro for this feature. I'm running iOS 18.6.2.

Any recommendations on this?

Ad(Thanks)vance!

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 30, 2025 1:28 PM

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Answer 1

Zachyy

Level 6

14,236 points

Oct 1, 2025 12:29 PM in response to 5FOOTNOTHIN

I agree with you. There are times where I have 1 bar or very low coverage, not enough to make communications, and the Satellite feature won't work. But at least you can still make an Emergency SOS call. And note this feature is only supposed to be used for emergencies.

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Answer 2

5FOOTNOTHIN Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 1, 2025 12:14 PM in response to sberman

I applied the latest 18.7.1 update and confirmed satellite mode is still not available in the scenario where the phone thinks it still has a cell signal (e.g. a single LTE bar no Wi-Fi). I cannot send a message or make a phone call in this scenario. Any other suggestions?

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Answer 3

5FOOTNOTHIN Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 2, 2025 6:10 AM in response to Zachyy

Thanks for the reply Zachyy!! Based on the link below, Apple sells this feature as more than just for emergencies which I suppose is what most people would want to be able to use...

Connect to a satellite with your iPhone - Apple Support

"With iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can connect your iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location — all while you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage."

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Answer 4

sberman

Level 10

272,622 points

Sep 30, 2025 1:41 PM in response to 5FOOTNOTHIN

Here is Apple’s guidance.

Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support

I’m running iOS 18.6.2.

And here is my recommendation.

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 5

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,886 points

Oct 2, 2025 6:33 AM in response to 5FOOTNOTHIN

Usage is expanded under iOS 26, but response times for family and friends may be slow. Typical times may be a minute or longer. Not really conducive for a conversation, but a quick hello and I’m fine. Emergency services responses are quicker.

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Answer 6

5FOOTNOTHIN Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 30, 2025 2:02 PM in response to sberman

Thank you!! Is this fixed then in iOS 18.7?

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Answer 7

Oct 1, 2025 1:39 PM in response to 5FOOTNOTHIN

I recall and ad for Musk's Starlink that might be able to work on iPhone 14 and up. I suggest asking them as dual cell/sat service is still relatively new on the market.

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Answer 8

Jeff Donald

Level 8

44,886 points

Oct 1, 2025 2:04 PM in response to Vegan Advocate

Starlink has exclusive contracts will providers in just a few select carriers. In the US, T-mobile is the exclusive carrier.

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