An iPhone user has revealed that a new feature proved to be a “life saver” after they used it during a hurricane.
Writing on Reddit, the poster explained that they had got stuck in Hurricane Beryl, which was a deadly and destructive storm that affected the southern United States earlier this month.
Sharing their experience online, the user explained that one particular new feature available on Apple iOS 18, ended up being vital.
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They had been trialling out the Beta version of the operating system update before its official roll out in the fall.
They said: “During Hurricane Beryl my cell service and internet went out and my iPhone informed me I could use messages via satellite. I decided to give it a try and messaged my friend.
“I’m safe and I’m glad this feature exists because if I was in any danger it would have been a life saver!”
Other people were impressed by the function which hasn’t previously been available to iPhone users.
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One person asked: “I still don't understand how a handheld iPhone can beam a signal into space. Maybe I'm dumb but I genuinely can't comprehend it. Or does it use some sort of ground repeater that re-beams it to the satellite?”
How does it work?
Explaining how they managed to operate the satellite messaging, the original poster said: “So basically after my network said SOS and my WiFi went out it sent me a notification prompting me to contact emergency services, roadside assistance, or use sms texting.
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“I went outside and followed the prompts to point my phone at the sky and it took a couple seconds to send each message but was worth it. It kept saying the people I’m messaging may not be able to reply if their software isn’t updated though.”
It seemed like others had also tried out the feature, with another user adding: “I did this too!!! I wasn’t able to receive messages back from them, but I was able to tell everyone I was ok and I just didn’t have cell service.
“Saved a lot of friends and family around the country a lot of anxiety.Surpringly the signal worked ok from inside my house. It was definitely better when the satellite could be seen through a window though.”
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Others took to social media to share their thoughts, with one saying: “So glad they rolled out this feature. When it was announced my first thought was how great this would be in this exact scenario. Sorry you're having to deal with it. Hope all is well!”
Another joked: “Flat earthers hate this new feature.”