You have an iPhone ? This new feature on your phone could save your life

Le bilan de l’ouragan Hélène fait état de plus de 150 morts, en plus de dégâts considérables dans le sud-est des États-Unis (ici en Géorgie). John Falchetto/AFP

A brand new feature of iOS 18, launched just a few days ago, has just proven itself in dramatic conditions. Americans, victims of Hurricane Helene, were able to communicate via text messages, thanks to a providential satellite connection.

The American site 9to5mac reports that many disaster victims, deprived of electricity and cellular services, were nevertheless able to contact emergency services thanks to a brand new feature of iOS.

How to use it ?

Deployed for only two weeks, this feature allows you to send messages by connecting to the nearest satellite.

For this to work, you need to be outside, with a clear view of the sky, and point your iPhone at the nearest communications satellite. On-screen instructions help you get the signal.

Available in the fall on Android

In hindsight, many users of this feature have testified on social media that it has likely saved many lives. As a reminder, it is currently only available via iOS 18 in the United States, and only from an iPhone 14 or newer model.

In 2022, Apple had already launched the first emergency calls via satellite, using the same model. Note that this technology also allows you to manually share your position via satellite with Locate, so that you can be located in a dead zone and help can intervene if necessary.

Note that Android 15, which is due to be deployed this fall, will also introduce this type of service. It is up to smartphone manufacturers to make them compatible from now on and thus align themselves with Apple.