Apple brings satellite features to iPhone 13 with iOS 18.5

Apple on Monday released iOS 18.5, which expands emergency satellite capabilities to iPhone 13 owners for the first time. Previously, the satellite features were available to those running an iPhone 14 or later. The emergency satellite system for iPhone is designed to be used at critical times when a cellular signal or Wi-Fi is not available, as it lets people contact emergency services, send a text by satellite, share information with their emergency contacts, or call for roadside assistance. To date, the feature has been credited with saving lives, rescuers say, including helping lost and injured hikers, saving people from wildfires, and more. Carrier-provided satellite features don’t have to be used for emergencies, though they often are. You could also text a friend via satellite, if you chose or use whichever other features the carriers offer. The iOS 18.5 update is focused on providing access to carriers’ satellite services, like those from T-Mobile (with Starlink). You can ch ... Read full article.