Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote revealed a groundbreaking feature in iOS 18 - Messages via satellite. While Emergency SOS via satellite has already been integral in dramatic rescues, this new feature allows iPhone users to message anyone, even without a cellular signal. Kurt Knight, Apple's senior director of platform product marketing, demonstrated the feature in action, showing how easy it is to send messages, emojis, and tapbacks via satellites orbiting above. The service is end-to-end encrypted and maintains the familiar iMessage experience. Users can start messaging over a satellite connection by following onscreen prompts or opening the Messages app. While some messages may take longer to send, overall, the service is fast and efficient. Messages via satellite supports SMS, tapbacks, and text messages, but photos and videos cannot be sent or received. This free feature will be available with iOS 18 this fall, initially in the US before expanding globally.