Featured Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / NBC News
Topics: Florida, Technology, US News, iPhone, Weather
Ellie Kemp
Topics: Florida, Technology, US News, iPhone, Weather
There's no denying we rely on our phones for everything nowadays. And it turns out that our trusty devices could be the very things that save our lives.
So much so, iPhone users have been stunned to discover an important feature they never knew existed.
Many came to the realisation two weeks ago after Hurricane Helene ripped through numerous states in the US.
Now, one of the most powerful storms to form in the North Atlantic in recent years is approaching the Florida coast.
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Hurricane Milton has prompted the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue urgent warnings after it progressed to the top category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Winds of '157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)' are forecast, which is set to damage homes, topple trees and cause power outages for weeks to possibly months, according to the NHC.
So, now is as good a time as ever to learn about the iPhone's satellite messaging function.
The feature was enabled during a recent system update for millions of Apple users.
Anyone with iOS18 should be able to use it, while those with iPhone 14s and above should also be able to use satellite features.
Messages via satellite allow people to contact their loved ones via SMS through the iPhone messages app, even without cellular or WiFi service.
However, you're required to have a carrier cell phone plan and you may be charged for sending a text.
To use the feature, iPhone users need to be outside, with a clear view of the sky and horizon. You should be 'immediately' prompted to connect to the nearest satellite from the messages app when going off-grid, the tech giant said.
Back in September, Twitter user Matt Van Swoll brought the feature to people's attention. Sharing a video of the satellite feature, he said: "I’ve never been more thankful to be an iPhone user.
"Due to the lack of cell service, EVERYONE in Asheville NC right now on iOS 18 has been able to get messages out and in with the Satellite messaging feature. This is literally saving lives @Apple."
Another Twitter user responded: "Probably the most important feature of iPhones people forget that is there."
And a second replied: "Yes. I was able to send out texts for my family when we couldn’t get out because all exits were blocked by trees and power lines."
iPhones also have an emergency SOS feature, which helps you connect to emergency services without cell service of WiFi.
Google Pixel 9 owners are the only Android users who can contact emergency services via satellite with their devices. Google Messages must be set as their default messaging app.