Days after Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southeastern US and killed more than 100 people, several residents are still isolated by destroyed roads and the lack of power and cellular services, according to a AP report. Still, with the new iPhone satellite messaging features available with iOS 18, many people in those affected areas can communicate and get aid, reports BGR.

On X, photographer Matt Van Swol shared that people in Asheville, NC, have been able to “get messages out and in with the Satellite messaging feature. This is literally saving lives,” he wrote. Although it’s essential to be in higher areas for the satellite connection to work, Van Swol said it was a 50/50 chance, which is better than nothing.

Emergency SOS via satellite — available on all models of iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 — allows users to share information with emergency calling services even when they’re out of cellular or Wi-Fi. In addition, if you want to let your friends and family know your location when you are out where you can’t reach cellular communication or Wi-Fi radio waves, you can open the “Find” app and share your location information via satellite. 

This service is available for free for two years from the time you activate a new iPhone Since the announcement in 2022, emergency SOS via satellite has already helped to save lives in 16 countries offered, according to Apple

All models included in the iPhone 14/15/16 lineup can be connected directly to the satellite with a combination of software that works closely with proprietary hardware parts. Emergency SOS via satellite is based on existing functions that are essential for iPhone users, such as emergency SOS, medical ID, emergency contact, and sharing location information of “Find”, and it is an emergency call service that connects to the satellite and provides important information. 

The service allows users to connect to satellite relay centers with Apple-trained emergency response professional staff.

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