A LIFE-SAVING gadget feature is now supported by millions of older phone models.
The update went out overnight, giving iPhone customers the ability to send texts without phone signal.
It works using satellites circling the –rather than connecting you to phone masts.
Previously, only the and later supported the tech.
But ‘s new iOS 18.5 update lets any model also connect to satellite services provided by phone carriers.
That includes 2021’s iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
You can bag the new iOS 18.5 upgrade for free by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
Sadly, there are some catches.
The first is that iPhone 13 owners still won’t be able to use Apple’s .
This is a built-in tool that lets you directly contact emergency services via satellite.
Secondly, although support for satellite tech has been added to the iPhone 13, it doesn’t mean you can access it right away.
You’ll need a carrier that offers satellite connectivity, and for it to be included as part of your plan.
In the US, T-Mobile is currently trialling satellite texting powered by ‘s .
But no UK providers are currently offering the service.
So if you want to send texts over satellite in the UK, you’ll still need an iPhone 14 or later for now.
UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!
Of course that’s not the only change rolling out to iPhone owners with iOS 18.5.
There’s a new wallpaper, a notification for parents when Screen Time passcodes are used on their child’s device, and an option to ‘Buy with iPhone’ when making Apple TV app purchases on other devices.
Apple also said that it has wrapped in some security fixes into the update, which makes it even more important to install.
The tech giant often that hackers can exploit to target you.
By updating your iPhone, you close these loopholes that cyber-criminals might have taken advantage of.
It’s one of the best protections against online crime – especially as iOS updates are free and quick to install.
If your iPhone is so old that it can no longer get the latest iOS updates, that’s a big security problem.
So you should consider upgrading to a newer device to get the latest security fixes.
Plus, new iOS updates , which is a bonus.
HOW TO TEXT VIA SATELLITE ON IPHONE 14 OR LATER
For the iPhone 14 or later, you can send text messages via satellite very easily – and it works for both Brits and Americans.
First make sure you’ve got iOS 18 installed by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Then before you go out of range of signal, make sure iMessage is turned on, and that you have an active SIM.
Once you’re somewhere without signal, go to Messages, wait for the pop-up saying you’ve got no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, and then tap Use Messages via Satellite.
Follow the instructions to get connected to the satellite, enter a message, and then tap Send.
It might take a few minutes for your text to go through, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to have a conversation.
