Technology

iPhone's satellite messaging: A lifeline in Hurricane Helene's aftermath

Published

1 year ago

October 2, 2024

iPhone's satellite messaging: A lifeline in Hurricane Helene's aftermath

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across the Southeastern United States, claiming over 100 lives and leaving many residents isolated due to destroyed infrastructure and lack of power. However, among this chaos, a ray of hope has emerged in the form of Apple’s new satellite messaging features.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Asheville residents find solace in satellite communication

Matt Van Swol, a photographer in Asheville, North Carolina, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that people have been able to “get messages out and in with the Satellite messaging feature. This is literally saving lives.” While the connection isn’t perfect, Van Swol notes it’s a “50/50 chance, which is better than nothing.”

Photographer tweets about satellite messaging in iOS 18 (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

IS YOUR PHONE READY FOR AN EMERGENCY? TURN ON THESE LIFESAVING SETTINGS

Peace of mind for worried families

Another X user reported using the satellite feature to get location pings from family members when power and internet went out. “At least it gave us some peace of mind,” they shared.

A man tweets about using satellite messaging in iOS 18 (X) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

EMERGENCY IPHONE SHORTCUT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

iOS 18: Expanding satellite capabilities

With the recent release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced several new satellite features that enhance communication during emergencies. You can now send messages via satellite directly from the Messages app, allowing you to stay connected even when you are off the grid and without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Messages via satellite allows you to send and receive texts, emojis and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is not available. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro shows a text conversation in iMessage with a satellite image and the phrase “Keep Pointing at Satellite… Connected” in the Dynamic Island.

For those who need to connect with friends and family using non-Apple devices, SMS over satellite provides an alternative messaging option. These features build upon the Emergency SOS via Satellite function that was introduced with the iPhone 14, offering even more ways to reach out for help in critical situations.

Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP 11 EMERGENCY CAR ESSENTIALS

To send messages via satellite

You need an iPhone 14 or later (all models) with iOS 18 or later.
You need to be in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
You need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
You need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone.
You need an active SIM.
To use iMessage via satellite, you need to turn on iMessage before you’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
To use SMS messaging via satellite, your carrier must support it.
Messages via satellite is available in the U.S. and Canada.
It’s free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (all models).

Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ensure you have iOS 18 installed

Before you can take advantage of the new features in the Magnifier app, make sure your device is running iOS 18. Follow these steps to check and update your iOS.

Check your current iOS Version:

Open the Settings app on your device
Tap General
Tap About. Here, you’ll see the version number next to Software Version.

Update to iOS 18:

Go to Settings
Tap General
Tap Software Update
If iOS 18 is available, tap Download and Install
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update

Steps to update to iOS 18 on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to turn on iMessage

Now, to use iMessage via satellite, you need to turn on iMessage before you’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Here’s how to do this.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone
Scroll down and tap on Apps
Scroll down and tap on Messages
Make sure the iMessage toggle is turned on (it should be green)

Steps to turn on iMessage on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tap on Send & Receive to ensure your phone number and email are selected for iMessage

Steps to turn on iMessage on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE, IPAD FROM MALWARE

How to use messages via satellite

Connecting to a satellite is pretty straightforward:

When your iPhone detects that you’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, it alerts you; on the Lock Screen, you get a prompt that says you can send and receive messages via satellite.
When you connect to the satellite, you’ll also see the option to text emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite, get help with car troubles using Roadside Assistance via satellite, and share your location using “Find My” via satellite (where these services are available).
To send a message, just open the Messages app, you’ll be prompted to start accepting messages if you haven’t already, and your iPhone provides instructions to connect to a satellite to send a text. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or later, the Dynamic Island at the top of the screen has indicator dots that show the strength of your connection and, if your connection could be improved, arrows that direct you to turn left or right. You can tap the Dynamic Island to open Connection Assistant for more help.
When you connect and start accepting messages via satellite, you’ll receive any SMS messages that were sent from your emergency contact or members of your Family Sharing group before you started accepting messages via satellite. You won’t receive iMessages until your emergency contact or family member returns to the conversation and taps Send via Satellite underneath their message bubble.

Satellite messaging in iOS 18 on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Limitations of satellite messaging

Messages via satellite might take a little longer to send. In ideal conditions, with a direct view of the sky and horizon, a message might take 30 seconds to send. It might take over a minute to send under trees with light or medium foliage, and you might not be able to connect to a satellite under heavy foliage or if you’re surrounded by other obstructions.

Some iMessage features aren’t supported when using a satellite connection. You can’t send or receive photos or videos, audio messages, stickers or messages in a group message.

If you can’t send an iMessage via satellite – for example, if the person you are trying to text has an iPhone that doesn’t have iOS 18, they have a non-Apple device or if you haven’t sent them an iMessage recently – you can use SMS messaging via satellite.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Kurt’s key takeaways

While the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is immense, it’s heartening to see how technology can provide a lifeline in times of crisis. Apple’s satellite messaging features, though not perfect, are proving to be invaluable for those cut off from traditional communication methods. As recovery efforts continue, these innovations may well be the difference between life and death for many in affected areas.

What personal experiences have you had with technology during a natural disaster, and how did it impact your situation? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover .

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Tenways’ compact e-bike twists and folds to go flat

Published

11 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Press Room

Tenways’ compact e-bike twists and folds to go flat

Tenways just launched its new CGO Compact electric bike in Europe that’s designed to fit into tight spaces like car trunks, apartment hallways, and train compartments.

To achieve this, the CGO Compact is fitted with small 20-inch wheels, folding pedals, and a handlebar fitted with a twistable stem to create a slim, wall-hugging profile. The adjustable steering column and low-step through frame also make it suitable for a wide range of rider heights, so it could be a good shareable e-bike for families. And its MIK HD rear carrier system is good for hauling up to 27kg (almost 60 pounds) around town, with mounting points for additional accessories like a crate or child seat.

Tenways might not be a household name globally, but the Chinese e-bike company headquartered in the Netherlands is making a name for itself in Europe thanks to aggressive pricing, sleek designs, and over 1,500 shops and service centers. And while the CGO Compact’s €1,999 (about $2,365) price tag isn’t cheap, it’s well below the €2,681 average for European e-bikes.

The company does sell e-bikes in the US, but the CGO Compact is only for sale in Europe as of today. It features a 250W rear-hub motor connected to a Gates Carbon belt drive for maintenance-free propulsion. It promises a range of up to 100km from its 500Wh removable battery, but its single-speed drivetrain produces only 45Nm of torque so it’s best suited for relatively flat cities. If your commute does stray from asphalt then the suspension seat post should help absorb bumps. There’s also an integrated torque sensor to ensure the smooth delivery of pedal-assisted power, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes should keep any sudden stops under control.

The CGO Compact lives up to its name regarding size, but it’s not all that lightweight. Stripped down it weighs 19.8kg (almost 44 pounds), or 22.1kg (almost 49 pounds) with all the accessories you’ll want in wet urban environments. That makes it heavier than many full-sized e-bikes, even from Tenways, and less versatile than the excellent 20-inch Brompton G foldable which also weighs less but costs more than twice as much.

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: Trump activates ‘tech force’

Published

11 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Press Room

President Donald Trump’s administration is tasking an AI “tech force” to modernize systems. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Inside Trump administration’s AI tech force designed to modernize government
– Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ in scathing social media post
– AI power players pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up

‘TECH FORCE’: Inside Trump administration’s AI initiative designed to modernize government – FOX Business reports on the Trump administration’s latest initiative to overhaul federal efficiency, detailing an internal AI “tech force” tasked with modernizing antiquated government systems and streamlining operations.

TECH ALLIANCE: War Department to partner with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT, GenAI for military use – The Department of Defense is reportedly strengthening its technological arsenal through a strategic partnership with OpenAI, aiming to integrate ChatGPT and generative AI capabilities into military operations to maintain a strategic edge.

SCATHING POST: Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ – Tech billionaire Elon Musk took to social media to unleash a scathing attack on rival AI firm Anthropic, characterizing their models as “misanthropic” and “evil” in a post that highlights the intensifying ideological rift within Silicon Valley.

Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., during the US-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

POWER PLAYERS: AI execs pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up – With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, deep-pocketed investors and executives from the artificial intelligence sector are pouring cash into competitive primaries, hoping to shape the regulatory landscape for the booming technology.

OPINION: AI raises the stakes for national security — here is how to get it right – In this opinion piece, OpenAI’s Chris Lehane argues that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has dramatically raised the stakes for American national security, outlining a strategic framework to ensure the U.S. maintains its dominance without compromising safety.

OPINION: The 2028 election will be a referendum on our future in an AI-dominated world – As technology accelerates, this op-ed contends that the 2028 presidential election will serve as a critical referendum on humanity’s future, forcing voters to decide how the nation should navigate an increasingly AI-dominated world.

Children forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents. (StockPlanets/Getty Images)

BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE: AI wars begin in new Super Bowl commercials – The battle for artificial intelligence dominance has moved to the advertising stage, as tech giants unleash a wave of new Super Bowl commercials designed to capture the public imagination and assert their position in the “AI wars.”

BOT TO THE FUTURE: Humanoid robots are getting smaller, safer and closer to home – Recent advancements in robotics are making humanoid machines smaller, safer, and more viable for domestic use, suggesting that a future where robots assist with daily household tasks is getting closer to reality.

MOYA’S DEBUT: ‘Warm-skinned’ AI robot with camera eyes is seriously creepy – A new development in robotics featuring “warm skin” and camera eyes has sparked a mix of fascination and unease, with many observers describing the lifelike yet artificial creation as “seriously creepy.”

Moya’s humanlike appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to subtle facial details designed to feel familiar rather than mechanical. (DroidUp)

DIGITAL DANGER: AI companions are reshaping teen emotional bonds – A growing trend of teenagers forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents and psychologists about the long-term impact of synthetic relationships on social development and mental health.

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
X
LinkedIn

SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS

Fox News First
Fox News Opinion
Fox News Lifestyle
Fox News Health

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

Fox News
Fox Business
Fox Weather
Fox Sports
Tubi

WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE

Fox News Go

STREAM FOX NATION

Fox Nation

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now

Published

23 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now

To close out its February 2026 State of Play presentation, Sony revealed God of War Sons of Sparta, a new prequel 2D side scroller in the God of War franchise, and announced that it’s out right now on PlayStation 5.

”God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D action platformer with a canon story set in Kratos’ youth during his harsh training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos,” Sony says. Over the course of the game, Kratos will “learn deadly skills using his spear and shield, as well as harness powerful divine artifacts known as the Gifts of Olympus to take on a wide array of foes.”

Sony’s Santa Monica Studio collaborated on the game with Mega Cat Studios. It costs $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe version available for $39.99.

Sony also announced that it’s working on a remake of the original God of War trilogy, with TC Carson set to return as the voice of Kratos. However, the project is “still very early in development, so we ask for your patience as it will be a while before anything else can be shared,” according to Sony. “When we can come back with an update, we aim to make it a big one!”