Apple IOS 18 Just KILLED Garmin InReach... Here's Why. (Satellite Messaging)

[@borker99]

Hopefully it'll force Garnin to lower the InReach subscription costs to remain competitive.

[@EdwardsNH]

Well unless it's new price if FREE, I don't see how they're going to sell anymore of these

[@Juno_Beach]

Yep , capitalism

[@JimmyShot]

That’s no lie, while awesome as a tool the current companies are crazy expensive.

[@cfdfirefighter]

@@EdwardsNHI’d still stick with garmin if they lowered the price, cause having a second device, and a more rugged one would be preferable. But if they want to keep the price super high, then I’ll just get the latest iPhone.

[@xav_1029]

I mean they still need the "oh sh!t" mode of the in reach where you flip the switch and they release search and rescue.

[@drumdude5211]

I think the other big difference is the ruggedization of the satellite communication devices. I have both the iPhone and Garmin inReach, but I trust the Garmin way more than my iPhone. It's pretty easy to break a phone in the backcountry or have you ever tried using a touchscreen in the rain. I like that I can basically throw the Garmin down a cliff and it will still work, and the physical buttons can be used in any weather.

[@djfabic2540]

Yeah, I am actually not sure how people don't see the difference. The InReach can last at least 30 days. It is rugged and uses buttons to be able to be used in situations that don't allow for touch screen usage. You don't need to point and search for the satellite. It can automatically share your location via satellite to friends. There is just so much that the InReach can do that the IPhone still can't. Maybe that'll change but for right now it's still not close to being the same thing. I also doubt that Apple will keep the recreational satellite messaging free.

[@hristokassovski]

For occasional users yes but for more rugged mountaineers inreach will still be the king.

[@Heretic10001]

Exactly. This plus the InReach is on a carabiner and less likely to separate from your person than a phone in a pocket if you take a big fall.

[@n0dedotorg]

My InReach 67i spent a week underwater in a creek before someone found it, and still works fine.

[@itschamesbitch]

@@Heretic10001 Because your pocket is the only place to store a phone

[@NegyedMisi]

"I'm lost in the woods" Reply with emoji: haha xD LOL 😂

[@TradingWithJesseW]

😂😂😂🏕️☠️

[@allenc5108]

I just bought an iPhone 15Pro specifically for the emergency satellite capability. I am really pleased to hear of the update to text messages via satellite, an unexpected bonus. I am an older outdoor person, but not a serious adventurer who would probably benefit from the Garmin. My concern is a trip-fall injury where I would need help. Thanks for the update information it is well presented.

[@humbertopolonia2419]

You can use it in other devices more older

[@OriflammeGaming]

@@humbertopolonia2419only 14 and up.

[@lauraquakenbush7950]

Thanks for the info

[@RollGlide]

Competition is always good for consumers. InReach will need to adjust the pricing model to survive this.

[@EdwardsNH]

To what?! How do they survive this? Currently zero extra charge on the iPhone

[@RollGlide]

@@EdwardsNH Apple is still testing the water. We will know the price within a year or so. They never promised it to be free, and they pay many millions to Globalstar to launch and operate satellites. Apple has never been a philanthropy, they will earn money on this service.

[@KarmaticEvolution]

@@EdwardsNHAndroid users.

[@ThePriceIsRising]

@@EdwardsNH; that will change, no doubt about it. The Apple Ultra watch has a subscription fee for its scuba diving capabilities.

[@jackpackage9757]

@@EdwardsNHsurvive what? This won’t affect Garmin like you claim it will

[@RubenArrieta]

Redundancy is always welcome.

[@JonMills-qi9ke]

Like this comment lol

[@adquinta]

If I’m going out in the sticks or alone then I want both. Because unless you’re going to be lugging around a battery pack your iPhone is gonna die.

[@davidgaliata75]

Facts.

[@apjbuilder]

Two is one - one is none

[@Phil995_co]

One thing to note is that Inreach uses the Iridium satellite network (66 satellites), which is more robust than the iPhone’s satellite feature that relies on Globalstar’s network (24 satellites). In some valleys, it’s possible you may not get a signal. Additionally, the recently released Starlink Mini could make this market more competitive, especially if Starlink broadens its services in this area.

[@MattLitkeRacing]

On my motorcycle I have my iPhone attached to the handle bars and the inReach is on me. If I have a crash that separates me from the iPhone I have a backup on me. Doesn’t hurt to have two options in remote areas

[@wlonsdale1]

You only have to need it one time

[@MattLitkeRacing]

@@wlonsdale1 hopefully never for an emergency. The inReach is good for weather forecasts when you have no cell service

[@JamesWindland]

I sold my Inreach when I bought my iPhone 15 Pro. I go on a 3 to 4 week hike once a year and do 4 or so overnight hikes in addition to that. I have not felt as though I miss the Inreach, as all I wanted it for was emergency situations anyways. Now that I can send regular messages soon, I would not consider an Inreach again.

[@Leon-qh9br]

does it do two way messaging i go to alaska and i need to communicated with helicopter to fly out

[@roamsy]

Couldnt the dispatcher theoretically communicate with you via a cell phone once you contact them for emergency???

[@markymark8472]

@@Leon-qh9br yes

[@Yggdrasil42]

@@roamsyNot if you're out of reach of cell tower coverage. Which is the whole point of sattelite communication. Otherwise, why not contact them via cell directly?

[@chrishorsten7980]

Just wait till you’re injured and your phone wants you to move to another spot, or point your phone at some specific part of the sky with your broken arm. Can you hear me now? 😂

[@juliocruz2784]

Great feature, but can someone answer this question. If you need to point your device and find a satellite to send a message. Doesn't that mean that the same has to be done to receive a reply also. Seems that you would have to keep that phone in the same position and hope that the person replies asap. Or am I missing something here. Unlike the Garmin inReach the device does not need to be pointed in a particular direction so I would receive my messages as they come in. Would love not to pay for a gamin subscription but that seems to be a big difference in how the devices operate.

[@boobee_nyc]

Yes! I've tested the iPhone text via satellite feature and it's important to note that yes you are correct you need to keep your phone constantly pointed in the direction of the satellite you are connected to but you don't have to hold the phone up over your head like your bonkers (lol) you can hold phone waste high like you normally use the device and simply pivot as needed to stay connected to the satellite. Another downside is you need a VERY clear view to the sky to connect for text messaging and even if a few trees are above you the phone will not lock onto the satellite or will disconnect often. It seems apple is using low priority satellites for text messaging compared to the emergency calling function that locks on to satellites almost immediately. I have found in testing this texting feature that if no satellite is available the phone will make you wait upwards of a minute to get a connection which is why I assume these are low priority satellites. The emergency feature won't have you wait for a satellite to align with you and will connect immediately. I guess it's still a game changer because when I'm off the grid I don't "need" text messages but I do need peace of mind that I can lock onto an emergency call immediately. Also to answer your question about messages sent when you are not connected to a satellite, you must purposefully connect to a satellite to receive new messages so it won't alert you like Garmin about incoming messages.

[@cryptickcryptick2241]

One thing to consider is that antennas are highly directional. There are lots of antennas styles some meant to get signals from every direction, some meant to send a signal in a particular direction. The average cell phone bounces signals off of multiple (3-5+) cell towers at any given moment so it doesn't matter much how you hold the phone. Given it appears they want you to hold the phone a particular way, it seems clear to me that the broadcasting antenna used for this is directional, and how one holds the phone is important. (The average cell phone has lots of antennas for wifi, bluetooth, cellular, various types of cellular.)

[@GROGU123]

It's really just designed for you to be off-grid and texting someone back home during emergencies. The person at home would be on cellular or wifi.

[@giro994]

Apparently sending your location via Find My iPhone is already in there, at least with iOS 17.5.1. I was backpacking in Desolation Wilderness without cell service for a few days. I turned off airplane mode to try to get signal at the top of a hill, but it didn't quite have it. 2-3 hours later, the iPhone dinged and asked if I wanted to send my location via satellite. So I followed the directions of pointing the iPhone. With steep rock around, the first try failed but it let me know another satellite would be by in 7 minutes. I tried again about 10 minutes later and it worked. I don't know if the prompting was due to not having signal for a couple hours when not in airplane mode, or based on being out of cell coverage for 3 days. Either way, it was fun to try it out. And talking to people on our local search and rescue teams, while other options are still seeing more use, the iPhone SOS feature has helped them find people at least a few times already. Further messaging options will be well used here, since many of the local ski resorts have areas with no cell coverage, along with some of the summertime trails here.

[@1cspringer]

I’m in Baja and the satellite doesn’t seem to work. Maybe only works in the USA?

[@username65585]

Battery life is a big difference but is the subscription cost of the InReach really worth the difference? You can just carry a battery pack.

[@SkepticalRaptor]

I would just turn off my iPhone because it uses a lot of power trying to find cell towers. That could increase battery life by days. When I need my iPhone for an emergency or to upload to KZbin (if you’ve got a 5G signal), I could turn it on. I think you could really extend the battery by a lot.

[@shimona500]

Remember that iphone also has a subscription after some years

[@shlonk]

⁠@@SkepticalRaptoryea my 15 pro max lasts like 4-5 days on airplane mode in the bush. Only activating data when I know I’m in a service spot. And that’s with using the camera/offline maps/even some music here and there. The battery is really good when you’re not scrolling instagram for 10 hours on 5G lol

[@SkepticalRaptor]

@@shlonk Yeah, there are a lot of things one can do to increase battery life that aren't going to have a material impact on the usefulness of the iPhone on the PCT or CDT or anywhere. And I'm one of those people who thinks if you can minimize the number of devices, the better off everyone is. No one is thru hiking carrying a huge Canon camera with three lenses, they're just carrying their iPhone to catch photos of bears on the trail.

[@SkepticalRaptor]

@@shimona500 You know that how? Are you Tim Cook's partner? Because Apple hasn't said anything and the SOS feature has been out for almost two years. It's still free. If you've heard something verifiable, please share because we're all dying to know.

[@sedricthomas7242]

This could be a game changer and would definitely have me upgrade my phone by the end of the summer. The subscription is pricey on the Garmin Inreach for the chance you might use it. Here in North Texas on trails it’s nice to have been but rarely necessary.

[@matt.mckinzie]

We have both, the garmin will last days on a battery Or years in your back pack Vs iPhone dies within hours while searching for signal So yes while both can do it One is more dependable

[@scottschwab3025]

You need to put your phone in airplane mode so it stopped searching for signal. In airplane mode, the battery should last at least two days.

[@Notpublished]

The SAT text feature doesnt work. I am in NC, no working cell tower, and cannot text to Android phones

[@jasonwooden]

I remember seeing a Meme of a Radio Shack Ad with all the devices crossed out that your iPhone has replaced. Digital Camera, Calculator, Camcorder, Answering Machine, Alarm Clock, Tape Recorder, Walkman, Radio Scanner, Palm Pilot, Electronic Level, Compass, GPS, etc, etc..oh, and telephone. It was only a matter of time before a satellite communicator/PLB to that list. I've been an inReach user for about 7 years, and this is a most welcome development.

[@kevinstephens1109]

The draw back on the phone i see is what if your in a spot or are injurec and you can't " Aim" the phone?

[@justindozone2160]

How about the cost of the response? Aren't payment of the costs of rescue covered by the Garmin, Moto and SPOT subscriptions?

[@ab185]

I own an inReach and hate the way Garmin has setup their subscription model, so very excited about this.

[@UrbanArmed]

Same, yes you can pause it but come on, 35 a month?

[@barryfrombarnsley2790]

When Apple first announced satellite communication they said eventually they intend on it being a subscription model too.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

@@barryfrombarnsley2790Exactly this. I think we all know that they’re giving out free samples and wants us to get hooked. Classic drug dealer tactics.

[@MIAMIC70]

Ditto

[@MIAMIC70]

@@barryfrombarnsley2790Rather pay Apple that nickel and diming Garmin

[@shredcity7217]

What about receiving messages when in an area without service. Do you just get them randomly when you cross into a satellite area?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

If it works like the SOS feature you would need to keep the phone aimed in a position towards the satellite to keep the connection established for 2-way communication to work. I suppose that's another question that needs to be answered!

[@cutterdevil]

I am considering replacing my old iPhone XS with the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro because of the satellite SOS feature. When I lived in Hong Kong, the cell network coverage was excellent, eliminating the need for a satellite device. However, now that I have moved to BC, I worry about how to call for help when I go to the countryside. Some of my friends suggest buying an InReach, but I don't want to spend money on and carry an extra device. Therefore, I think the satellite feature on the iPhone is definitely a game-changer compared to other recreational satellite devices on the market.

[@petergab734]

I am a pilot and sent several text messages without any issues at 30,000 feet. I don’t have WiFi in the aircraft I fly so it’s been absolutely amazing. Messages have gone pretty fast and without any issues within a few seconds. I am glad I didn’t waist $300 plus monthly subscription on the Garmin inreach

[@brennerborec3422]

How? Do you have ios18 beta?

[@petergab734]

Yes. I downloaded ios18

[@brennerborec3422]

@@petergab734 That’s pretty crazy! This is game changing for sure but I’ve heard not all countries are going to support text through satellite.

[@phxrsx]

Mf said waist.

[@thebtanker592]

I've sent snapchat videos over cellular from +30,000ft... who needs IOS18 when in a plane 😂

[@GetOutsideYourself]

I'm about to leave for my trek in a remote part of Nepal, updating my iphone 15 pro max to iOS 18 as I type. Will this work overseas?

[@Gedstravels]

From what I read it works in USA and Canada. So I don’t think it’ll work in other countries. Does anyone have a different opinion?

[@UrbanArmed]

Depending on the cost this might be a game changer. I have a pro max with big battery my InReach mini battery isn’t that long lasting anyway

[@scottschwab3025]

I want to know if my iPhone 15 can make a satellite SOS call or message via voice if I can’t move. Also, if I hold the side button and either up or down buttons to go into the SOS/power off screen, will the phone be smart enough to use satellite 🛰️

[@jamesr5564]

How do you test the satellite feature when you have a cell signal

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It got super complicated to make this work lol. I basically had to cancel an active eSIM to trick the phone into thinking I was out of range.

[@jamesr5564]

@@ChaseTheSummit 🤦🏻‍♀️but wait, if I have no cell & I shut off my WiFi, I can text people for free via satellite?

[@christopheraviles6848]

I recently bought an inreach. And I’m glad I have it, those extra few ounces are outweighed by how useful it is. Having that similar capability on my phone is nice, but I’m doing a lot of other things on my phone as well. The peace of mind that knowing my tracker battery won’t die is well worth it to me

[@Aquamick]

Will there be any tracking so if something did happen I can be tracked to a 10min walking area like the In reach? Battery life is an issue, carry a spare but wet connection, slow wireless etc. Can you text with big gloves on in -5C on a Scottish mountain like last week? Its a nice extra feature to have for a majority of people but wont replace my admittedly expensive In reach subscription yet, what price do you put on life??

[@paulius.sinkora]

This ended up being a really great ad for the Garmin

[@jo2outdoors]

Does Apple offer an insurance similar to the garmin to help cover the cost of rescue if needed?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

No, but in reality this latest update is less about emergency use and more about recreational use to send messages like "Setting up camp" "Running late" etc...

[@bearswife1]

Curious about the SOS feature. Having just used the SOS feature on my inreach, I was so grateful how it worked to help an injured hiker. With the message feature, will it give the person you send a message to the exact GPS location to them like the inreach does?

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Can you sms/iMessage via satellite with an iPhone 14 (or newer) that does not have a SIM card/carrier plan? Ie no Verizon/AT&T ect?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Needs to be active on a carrier

[@MountainParameters]

​@@ChaseTheSummit It says that when the phone cannot access either WiFi or a cellular network, it then will prompt you to find a satellite. Makes me wonder if this applies only to phones that use eSim (USA), and not to phones in other countries that still use a physical SIM?

[@solebrother9620]

As you mention Dave, battery life is still quite key here. Having satellite messaging from an iPhone is great (I'd maybe consider switching my Samsung Android to iPhone for this feature, but only when any future service costs are disclosed). For multi-day events or adventures, Garmin InReach etc definitely have the advantage for peace of mind/dependability - critical when you most need it - in an emergency.

[@JeffPelletier]

Yep, no way you’d rely on a phone while on a backcountry ski trip, for example.

[@BenMilford]

You will need a way to charge both devices in most cases. A small battery bank can easily get you a few days of additional life when in power saving modes.

[@DeejaySlamBB]

Carrying an extra battery with your iPhone would stil be a better deal

[@melgross]

I don’t find it a problem. It’s cheap to buy a large battery for your phone and watch. They’re small and don’t weigh much either, so carrying it isn’t a problem. As far as charges go, it’s been free so far and Apple hasn’t given a date as to when (or even if!), or how much it would cost. So it’s free now and Apple tends to give plenty of notice if they plan to charge definitely anytime.

[@jenHry-ng3pw]

If you really need it and the phone breaks, you are dead. Also, iPhone satelite works like in 10 countries around the world.

[@ChewyWookie]

does free 2-year (plus additional 1-year) start from the iPhone's manufactured date or from the day you activate the phone with SIM card?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

No idea, I'm guessing from when you activate.

[@ChewyWookie]

@@ChaseTheSummit from activation date. confirmed with apple.

[@dantheman2245]

Long time inReach user while off grid for backpacking and camping. I am very excited to see this feature come to my iPhone, but the single unanswered question/thing to consider…the SAR insurance plan is a great $30 peace of mind to have… Is there a bill for SAR if you request it on an iPhone?

[@keshmo12]

Look into what area you're going to and if they have free search and rescue. Idaho is all free SAR as long as you didn't purposely get lost. I believe a lot of west coast USA is free. Garmin selling snake oil to some customers in free areas.

[@Kaiser333333]

Even if they have to airlift you out with a helicopter? Somehow I doubt it would be free. my company actually sold that as a possible health insurance addon. I did buy it one year when doing some multi week hiking in remote areas.

[@keshmo12]

@@Kaiser333333 I live by the ocean and people get rescued by helicopter all the time by the coast guard and I've never heard of people getting charged for it. They also don't charge to rescue you off a mountain. It's mostly volunteer workers. You're only liable if you're breaking the law being there or you are blatantly making bad choices with intent to get rescued.

[@russwright]

That's the first question that came to my mind as well. Maybe SAR insurance can be purchased separately. I won't miss the Garmin subscription and billing system (horrible mess). I'd rather pay $40/year than risk a $70K+ for a helicopter rescue. Not clear if Apple covers the rescue costs (in places where you do get charged).

[@kevinstephens1109]

That and..... what if you are injured and turning/aiming the phone can't be done?

[@Grateful2Exist]

Any update, is it available now?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's in public beta but still not available in production release. I'd expect it to roll out sometime this month.

[@captainnoelibarra9046]

I went offshore today after 18 miles in this feature does not work GARMIN In reach does

[@DLR_Oli]

Tried it this past weekend, a little finicky trying to get the signal from the satellite, but def works!

[@DattatreyaSAIKISHORE]

The important factor would be the which regions would be covered as initially when they rolled out the satellite SOS feature it was only available in US and Canada. and it is still not available in the region were I live so I think Garmin and Moto wont be going away anytime soon.

[@p.richter9592]

Yeah, still a lot of countries that can’t use this iPhone feature. Also, an inReach is much more robust than an iPhone, and the battery time is much better. I use a Garmin 66i, so I have the inReach function, and also maps for navigation. It’s a great device.

[@AG12345-defi]

Exactly this! Incorrect to say that it works in the middle of the ocean, afaik.

[@cryptickcryptick2241]

Yes, They need to work in the laws of the local countries. Unfortunately, every country want to regulate this, and ask for special favors and abilities. This complicates rollout.

[@TalkativeMime1]

For backpacking always bring a battery bank anyways so battery life not as big of an issue. Makes the iPhone much more appealing for people who maybe go out 3-4 times a year

[@JerelMcCollum]

You’ve been killing it with all of these videos! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@JerelMcCollum]

@@ChaseTheSummit also with these added improvements to the ecosystem, it makes it really interesting how it can be implemented into future Apple Watch Ultras. I have all Apple products but also big into fitness. I’m just hoping for a AWU to last more than a few days.

[@b00sted08]

This is super nice to hear. I will still be keeping my inreach though for the redundancy and the tracking. I go off-roading in my truck and dirt bike to a lot of remote places having the redundancy in case one breaks or runs out of battery is nice and when I’m out on my own my family being able to track my route is nice

[@BackpackingVibes]

What is the oldest iPhone that this will work on?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

iPhone 14 and newer

[@BackpackingVibes]

I may have to purchase one then! Thanks for the info. Subscribed. I also might buy the hat for my son who is appropriately named Chase.

[@TicoFAm_outdoors]

I´m not an Iphone user, so not changing my mind that the inreach is the better option. But the fact that you have just the need to press a button to initiate the SOS assistance, rather than going to different steps to try to get the Iphone in line with a satelite, and the fact that battery in the inreach will last for days, rather than the Iphone, still is a universe of difference to me to keep the inreach.

[@p.richter9592]

My thoughts exactly. When you’re in trouble, you need a device that is very easy to operate. You may be hurt, unable to move too much, and with an inReach you just have to push the button.

[@proton7113]

However it seems you cannot download GRIB weather files over satellite on iPhone, but you can on inreach. Would be perfect if they add this as well. As a sailor this is a necessity.

[@adventureundone]

I was in a motorcycle accident in the mountain last year. No cell service off road in the mountains. Used my iPhone 14 Pro Max to get help, worked great (minus a few clouds) I also keep my Apple Watch on me so I always have it on me all the time, and it will communicate with the phone.

[@MurrayCallaghan]

Incomplete. You are assuming similar reliability and range. The inreach is mostly a large external antenna

[@matt_kelly]

I hope this gets better, but without a dedicated radio I’m worried about how strong the satellite signal is. I’ve never had a problem sending a message with my InReach, I just type it out, hit send, and reconnect it to my backpack and keep riding. It seems if you have to stand around pointing it at the sky to send it’s less useful. I imagine the iPhone will get some tracking feature in the future, until then I’ll continue to have both.

[@OzTecMarine]

I was about to get an inreach for my plane but holding off now. The Garmin subscription doesn’t make sense and seems costly

[@MRGOLD99.999]

So far mine will not send any of the msg's I've tried to send to even just try it out it will show all the screens use satellite msg I click it then it does nothing

[@thepopmanbrad]

i heard that the satalite features arent going to stay free forever only like a year after purchase of your phone but idk im still not sure about all this and how it all works

[@jasonstj5998]

I work in a lot of remote locations often. I started using this new feature a few days ago. And I can tell you my battery use is no different than when I have cell service. It lasts my 12 hour shift and then some!

[@beingsneaky]

How much extra does this cost?

[@andycrites2589]

I live with my Garmin Inreach here in Northwest Montana, but would love to drop another device from my pack load. Main question is: will this apple feature require purchase of the latest-greatest iPhone (I have a 14) or will an IOS operating system update handle it?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

14 and newer are compatible!

[@Dundertaker1]

We just had a family member use the in-reach to get help for a fallen hiker… saved her life. Essential for adventurers. If this works as advertised, this is a great leap forward.

[@joshuadtaft]

A lot can still go wrong with a phone, so my argument for the inreach is redundancy, durability, and simplicity. Plus the live track is a plus over the iPhone as if something goes wrong and you can’t call for help, there’s a better chance you can be found

[@johntinsley7563]

How long do you think it will take  to push out an iOS update with features like weather?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Once they are leveraging satellite for data/apps that will be a whole different story! Imagine apps that allow live tracking but over satellite, or weather updates. At that point, Inreach would have a tough competition particularly if apple takes this globally.

[@timmyhexham9603]

Does this work in Australia, often we are just left behind in new features

[@jayjohnstone9635]

no, US only

[@russpaton8877]

Doesn't even come close to replacing Garmin or anything on IRidium network (Zoleo/Bivy/Defy) now Wil it replace Spot on the Globalstar network it shares likely.

[@Trey06383]

I have an iphone 14 Pro Max and I use T-Mobile Essentials, but satallite only gives me the option to do a demo. It wont allow me to do anything else with the satallite other than connect to it. and when i try to quickly close the satallite app and try to send a message, or use the satallite internet, it just turns off the demo😑. This satallite feature is trash😡

[@UltraTrailSteven]

So this is iPhone 15 and newer, correct?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Works on iPhone 14 as well.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@ChaseTheSummit oh nice!

[@Xingqiwu387]

What? It's not iOS 62589 by now?

[@phillipkasper9850]

I'd upgrade my current I phone for that in a heartbeat. Just carry a portable charging unit, they are small and would fit in the pocket, Or a mini solar charger?

[@SparkyInCali]

I tried this out multiple times last weekend. It worked well enough for my needs. Sending messages took maybe 30seconds to a minute. I wasn’t timing it. It didn’t seem to have any real effect on battery life. The message I received back and others received from me didn’t have any kind of indication they were sent over satellite. I did manually check for incoming messages for after I was done sending I would turn off the satellite feature until I wanted to check.

[@Johak1982]

I would stop using my garmin simply just because how time consuming and unnecessary complicated the setup is.And it’s pretty expensive to use to. I live in Sweden so probably won’t be available here soon but will be using this feature for sure instead of the garmin.

[@EmilyTienne]

I think it is only available in US and Canada. Maybe this has changed?

[@gdunner4855]

Just used it yesterday. Only problem is they won’t send a message to a group chat and everyone has to run iOS 18 for it to go through. You can’t send satelite messages to non 18 iOS so far.

[@gpwildcat77]

Great point

[@scottschwab3025]

Then you are saying the guy speaking in the video is incorrect because he went over the fact that when you send a message to a non-iPhone device, it will come up in a green bubble as opposed to an iPhone device using a blue bubble.

[@MrMichaelfalk]

inreach is for a specific usecase - those who need it will never rely on a iPhone..

[@orleytravels]

Yes. Exactly

[@brianp9268]

Do you know how many inreaches are sold? The iPhone will be fine for most of the people interested in the inreach

[@AddingLifeAdventure]

Brianp, your comment would be better in the general comments. Has no bearing here.

[@zachary8989]

Not true at all. Maybe half to 2/3 of my Outdoor’s partners have Inreaches. Most aren’t through hikers. It’s day trips out into the mountains way away from the road and service. I appreciate connecting to GEOS in an emergency vs a random 911 connecting you to who knows where, but don’t think that’s worth $10-20 a month

[@brianp9268]

@@AddingLifeAdventure It was a direct reply to what he said, but thanks for your help…

[@kavansurf]

So I was debating on getting the inreach 2, Messenger, or Zoleo. I am a hunter and often am out of cell range. We used to use the Garmin Rino walkie, gps, and locator. however looks like Garmin phased those out a while back. Rather than spend $300+ on an inreach 2 i could apply that cost to upgrading my iphone 13 pro max to the 16 pro max. I use OnX maps and they work great with or without cell service. Im pretty sure the map apps on cell phones give Lat/Long with or without cell service now. I'm sold!

[@LilRuby1961Bonanza]

My husband and I are hunters and both carry Inreach mini’s … we split up a lot to check out different areas to hunt and like to stay in touch at designated times. I feel they are a huge backup to our iPhone 14 Pros, and would not want to just rely on the phone/battery life. I do carry a solar charger for my devices, but when in the back country of the Rocky Mountains, you can’t be too careful! The weather and tracking abilities of our inreach’s is huge! Worth the cost and the subscription price !

[@sxhrgvs]

I was waiting to hear what it cost and am surprised it’s free. It’s a great feature, though you still have to worry about battery life, so do you end up carrying a spare battery for the phone (but were you doing that anyway…). Can’t be good news for the garmin in any case.

[@ArchNeesh]

Does it have to be a iPhone 15?

[@theheavy2742]

Every iPhone starting with the iPhone 14 supports it.

[@robertklug3863]

Bull. I’m a Colorado hiker and tried my Apple satellite and what a fail. Will keep my Garmin Inreach

[@314adv]

What would keep me with inReach are two things. I ride off road and use my phone for navigation. 1.) As such I have the inReach attached to my person in case I get separated from my motorcycle. 2.) inReach offers insurance in case you are rescued - which could save tens of thousands of dollars. Will Apple provide a similar feature? or can I purchase this insurance somewhere else?

[@1977jhall]

I have the gamin in reach explorer+ while I go snowmobiling in the back country. I like how rugged they are. I have fallen asleep at sled camp at -25°c and left it sitting on the hood of my truck for connectivity. Grab it in the mornings bring it inside. Perfectly fine and ZERO issues. This has happened a lot lol. It gives me a lot of peace of mind knowing help is available immediately if needed. I don’t think a POS iPhone will handle half of what my garmin has been through and an iPhone is $1600 CAD these days and made out of glass FFS. I’ll stick to my garmin ALL DAY. cool feature as a backup through!

[@lightbored187]

Curious to see if it works in the middle of the ocean…

[@atembenlly]

What countries will be supporting this satellite messaging?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Unknown, but I would suspect the 16 counties that currently support SOS over sat will support messaging over sat.

[@atembenlly]

@@ChaseTheSummit please what are this 16 countries?

[@preislerjan]

Important questions are: 1) battery life- inReach Messenger lasts up to 650 hours with a text message or location sent every 10 minutes. 2) coverage- is this SOS on nonSOS satellite feature going to work only in US or everywhere?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

1.) correct InReach has longer battery life but you could also just keep your phone off until you need it since it doesn't have any other off-grid features other than being a camera? 2.) Right now only in the USA but that will likely expand over the coming years. For example, SOS over satellite on apple is available in 18 different countries and growing.

[@preislerjan]

@@ChaseTheSummit yeah! I think that iPhone might be great option as an "emergency brake" to have it by your side all the time and for some regular hiking in Canada for example. But for real expeditions etc., satellite communicators and phones will still have the place here. IMHO :)

[@Andrii-m4n]

Curious, if this feature will be available world wide or only for USA.

[@foetor]

First only USA then other country

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Seems that it will start in the USA and expand over time.

[@fred4910]

I often enjoy hiking alone in the Austrian mountains. I imagine it would be difficult to adjust my iPhone with broken legs.

[@KidCodyRunning]

Will it be able to track bread crumbs via satellite as well? Then you could use it for FKT attempts as well which would be amazing

[@zisimoszisopoulos7482]

Maybe I completely missed it, but is this feature actually available all over the world? As far as I remember last year it was only available for USA-Canada-AUS.. Keep up the good job!l💪🏽 I’m considering your reviews before every single hike tech related purchase I make 😅

[@ChaseTheSummit]

As of now it's going to launch in the USA and then expand over time similar to the SOS feature launched last year. SOS is available in 16 countries so I'd assume the same countries will get this but time will tell!

[@franksilvia3402]

My 14 pro max shows the sos when I’m off the grid, hopefully it will work on that model also. I recently went out on a hike and for 20 minutes it loses reception, but my wife was able to track me the whole time with live share from all trails.

[@jacobjstevens]

I used my iPhone to send my location via satellite for the first time yesterday to see how it compares to my inReach. It took 20 minutes and three attempts, so not quite there as a stand-alone solution yet. I had to wait 6 minutes for a satellite to come into range, then when it did show up it was behind a ridge. It might have worked if there wasn’t heavy cloud cover, but I still had to go another mile or so to get around the mountain before it would send. I also had to actively hold the phone and direct it, so it won’t retry until I tell it too. The passive nature of sending a message or location with the inreach and trusting it to retry on its own until it sends is still worth the extra cost.

[@tl56kmair]

Where i live and fish we have some steep walled canyons. My Defy never could get a signal. Not sure if the phone would. I have a spotX and it always gets a signal and i can easily message from it. Yes it's an extra devise but it's never left me stranded.

[@mysystem32]

Will Starlink Direct to Cell whichl allows any LTE/5G phone to send text / voice make Garmin inReach and iPhone specific Satellite Messaging redundant?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Time will tell!

[@hstone-kf7su]

Have an iPhone 15P and Inreach explorer+, cost is minimal and using the app it’s easier than this option. No searching for signal, just type and go. Not to mention the many other features the Garmin boasts over the iPhone.

[@theMekanik]

iFone doesn’t work outside the USA 🇺🇸and doesn’t have the Helix Antenna.

[@TheMetaSD]

I don’t think this kills inreach at all, I think this just kills inreach messages. I can just use the basic SOS and weather features on inreach and leave all the messaging to my iPhone.

[@FieldingSmith]

Tmobile working with starlink to bring txt then voice and data is probably a bigger deal, but won’t be ready for primetime for a while. They just started testing it this spring.

[@bluenetmarketing]

Fielding - The better tmobile version is what I am waiting for.

[@beingsneaky]

Yeah they kinda skipped over it because perhaps its.. not even beta it could be delta produce??? Not really ready for consumer use.

[@UncleWally3]

Are there, “unknown questions that have to be answered” or known questions that have yet to be answered? If the prior, what are the unknown questions?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

What countries will it work in? Will 2 way messaging require you keep the connection "alive"? Will it remain free forever? Will it work in heavy tree cover or cloud cover? Those sorts of things.

[@aperitifs]

The possible reason why is due to spacex to cell being so close ,

[@DavidKD2050]

I have a 13 pro max and was planning to upgrade to the 16 when it is available. Hopefully the battery life is good. For some time I have believed that a good new phone with all of the automatic seeking features turned off has more than enough battery for several days when using it intermittently. But going to just one device, no spare battery, requires extra care of that device. Breaking it, very bad idea. So in addition to a screen protector and good solid case, additional protection should be used. If you don’t need it much stuff it in your pack. If you need it on hand, for maps or photos, a hard case perhaps 🤔.

[@RickLaBanca]

What about the rescue insurance? Garmin offers that will Apple?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

This is about recreational messaging, not SOS messaging though that’s also available. But no, there’s no insurance included in this free service (for now). With the money saved you could buy third party insurance, an American Alpine membership, or a hike safe card 🤷‍♂️

[@dustyroads834]

I have it now using a 14 pro max on public beta. I also have a Zoleo. All I can say is that it works. It picks up satellites quickly as long as you orient your phone. I’ve sent 2 messages and received 2 reply’s within seconds. Still feel like there is a lot to learn so I’m not giving up my Zoleo subscription just yet.

[@jarednelson4272]

Please do a follow up on this!!

[@nickdambrosia2304]

The iPhone text over sat will be a nice backup but definitely not my primary method of comms in the backcountry

[@hollyakelam2211]

So the question is what satelites are apple using

[@ChaseTheSummit]

GlobalStar network

[@woodlandassemblyofgod2344]

I phone still don’t have topography maps like garmin

[@ChaseTheSummit]

There are apps for that

[@DartmoorPaul]

Waited to upgrade my phone to the 15 from the 12 for this feature and save the cost on a Garmin. Offset one against the other, one device to do it all. Perfect. But yes, I get why people would want both as “all eggs in one basket” comes to mind.