iPhone Users On T-Mobile Will Be Able To Enjoy Satellite Messaging With iOS 18 Later This Year
Apple made its mark by introducing satellite connectivity in 2022 on the iPhone 14. While the feature was well received, the functionality was limited to text for emergency services. With iOS 18, the tech giant shared plans to expand messages via satellite and make services available when there is a lack of Wi-Fi or cellular connections. Some users have already tried the feature with the iOS 18 public beta 2 and later versions and said they were able to exchange texts via satellite.
T-Mobile iPhone users can also benefit from satellite messaging as it is no longer limited to Android users
Apple pioneered bringing satellite connectivity to phones with the iPhone 14 back in 2022 and has been evolving the feature through its updates. It has remained a hot topic since its inception, with the competition stepping up their game as well by enabling satellite connectivity support. Apple is onboard with Globalstar for the feature, which is working aggressively alongside MDA to improve Apple’s services with a new network of satellites.
With the updated satellite feature, an iPhone 14 model or later version can be used to send and receive messages via satellite when cellular signals are weak or Wi-Fi is not available. While the first rolling out of the iOS 18 beta involved only the demo of the feature, the second beta gives more utility, as some users are already able to exchange messages with the updated satellite capabilities.
Although the service brings major convenience for users, especially in areas with poor connectivity, it requires you to constantly ensure the device is in a position to connect better with the satellite, and it requires you to be outside. The communication might lag a little as a result, but this is only a minor hiccup in comparison to the utility it offers. For now, the feature does not include sending videos and photos.
We have been hearing about Google working on bringing satellite connectivity to Android phones with the Android 15 roll-out. Many T-Mobile users have accessed a page showing their eligibility for the service, and the carrier might be the first to have access to it. T-Mobile and SpaceX have also partnered to bring their Direct-to-Cell satellite feature and might start offering the capability to US users in the fall.
T-Mobile iPhone users will not feel alienated, as they can now enjoy the capabilities alongside Android users with the expansion of the service with iOS 18 that are going to roll out later this year.
