Apple is highly known for bringing new innovations that improve people’s lives in many ways, including health and fitness, photography, accessibility, entertainment, customization, and financial habits. One of the top innovations of Apple has been the Apple Watches. It offers several features that help keep users healthy, connected, and active. Apple Smartwatches are specially designed to monitor the health, fitness, and safety of the user.
It was introduced to replace phones and reduce the time users spend looking at phone screens. Its wide variety of features and the ability to make routine tasks easier is what makes it so popular. Apple Watches are ideal for everyday use from hiking, biking, and running to swimming, surfing, and other water sports. One of the latest Apple Watch series is the Apple Watch Ultra, which is a smartwatch with plenty of new features. This article will discuss Apple’s next Ultra smartwatch, the satellite text messaging feature, and more. So, keep reading to know more.
Satellite text messaging in Apple’s next Ultra Smartwatch
Among various features introduced in Apple Watches, Satellite text messaging is the new and advanced feature. Apple introduced this feature for iPhone 14 and later models with iOS 18 and later. Satellite text messaging is available in the US and Canada which is free of cost for two years after activating the iPhone or later. This feature allows users to send and receive texts, Tapbacks, and emojis even without a mobile network or Wi-Fi connection. You can send satellite text messages through iMessage or SMS and to use this feature you will need an active SIM and have to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. It is important to be in a clear sky because tall buildings and trees can interfere with the connection. Also, your phone will direct where you should turn to find the satellite.
You can connect to the satellite to send messages through iMessage. You can send and receive text through iMessage and the messages you send will be end-to-end encrypted. Apart from iMessage, you can send text messages through SMS and it is helpful especially when the person you’re texting does not have iMessage, is not in your contacts, or has not updated their device to iOS 18 and later. As for how to receive messages through satellite, ensure you have a mobile network or Wi-Fi coverage. When someone texts you through satellite, you will receive an alert in iMessage conversations. To send a response, you can tap Send via Satellite under the message bubble you received. Also, there is emergency roadside assistance in the iPhone 15’s satellite service.
To use this satellite texting service, open Control Center and tap the cellular button. There you can select satellite and tap ‘Try Demo’. Ensure iMessage is turned on and for that, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > iMessage. As for sending text via SMS, go to Settings > Apps, choose Messages, and turn on ‘Send as Text Message’. To connect with emergency services, you can use Emergency SOS. This satellite texting feature helps users not to rely on cellular or Wi-Fi connections, especially in case of emergencies.
The Apple Watch Ultra is said to be Apple’s most premium smartwatch model. Even though Apple introduced satellite communication in 2022 with the iPhone 14 models, this feature has expanded to satellite texting. The best part was that this satellite messaging service was integrated into the Apple Watch Ultra series, which eliminates the need for users to carry an iPhone for satellite communication. This innovation of Apple reduced the need for a standalone satellite device and Apple Watch Ultra would be the first mainstream smartwatch to have this feature.
Along with the satellite messaging feature, Apple has introduced blood pressure monitoring in the Apple Watch series. However, its launch has been delayed due to certain complications but Apple is working on adding blood pressure monitoring to its next watches. These features are attracting hikers and other health-conscious customers who are looking forward to improving health and wellness along with simplifying things.
Also Read: Apple’s 5G Modem: Here’s Everything We Know So Far
Conclusion
Apple has been keeping its promise to bring new features to enhance health, fitness, connectivity, and the ability to make routine tasks easier. Users are eagerly waiting for updates and innovations since Apple never fails to surprise users with new, advanced features. Among various innovations, the Apple Watch series has to be one of the best ones because it helps track the way you move, sleep, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and more. It helps with things that can possibly enhance health and fitness.
One of the cool features of the Apple Watch series has to be the satellite messaging. Apple introduced satellite communication in 2022 with the iPhone 14 models but this feature is also integrated into the Apple Watch Ultra series. This feature allows users to send and receive texts, Tapbacks, and emojis even without a mobile network or Wi-Fi connection via iMessage or SMS. With the introduction of this feature, Apple eliminated the need to carry an iPhone for satellite communication and reduced the need for a standalone satellite device.
