Messages app gets satellite connectivity in iOS 18, plus emoji Tapbacks

You will soon be able to send and receive texts via satellite, Apple said Monday.

In addition, the Messages app will also support message scheduling, plus reacting to texts with any emoji.

“Now you can use the satellite capabilities on iPhone 14 and later to connect to satellites hundreds of miles above the Earth to text your friends and family when you’re off the grid,” said Apple exec Ronak Shah during Monday’s WWDC24 keynote.

Send and receive text messages via satellite in iOS 18

The system uses the same technology used by Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite.

“We’re using the same groundbreaking technology that gave us Emergency SOS via satellite to bring you messages via satellite,” said Shah.

After connecting to a satellite, key iMessage features like sending and receiving messages, plus reacting to messages, will be available.

The system will be end-to-end encrypted, Shah said.

It’ll also work with SMS messaging, which is used to message people using Android phones and other devices not integrated in Apple’s iMessage system.

Messaging via satellite will require an iPhone 14 or later.

Apple didn’t say when the system will go live or if it will require extra fees. iOS 18 will be released as a beta today, and will be released to the public this fall.

Messages gets emoji Tapbacks

Apple has also redesigned the popular Tapbacks feature in iOS 18, allowing users to react to texts with any emoji.

Shah said reacting to messages with emoji — rather than a limited set of reactions — was one of the most requested features from users.

“We’re giving you all new ways to express yourself and stay connected,” said Shah. “Tapbacks are one of the most popular ways to express yourself and messages, and people love them. This is a huge year for Tapbacks.”

Messages in iOS 18 will also allow users to schedule messages to be sent later.

“When you don’t want to forget to send that friendly reminder or birthday text in the morning,” Shah said.

In addition, iOS 18 will support text formatting. Text can be italicized, underlined or struck through.

Text will also get ‘text effects,’ which add eye-catching effects to text. Some words will be automatically recognized for text effect suggestion.

“Whether you want to emphasize some major news, bring your emoji to life, or you’re just blown away by a stunning photo, you can express yourself in all new ways with text effects,” Shah said.