Hurricane Milton: How to text messages via satellite on your iPhone [Video]

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An iPhone satellite messaging function could help save lives during a hurricane.

The feature was added during a recent operating system update for millions of Apple users. It came just in time, Americans affected by Hurricane Helene said on social media.

“I’ve never been more thankful to be an iPhone user. Due to the lack of cell service, EVERYONE in Asheville NC right now on iOS 18 has been able to get messages out and in with the Satellite messaging feature,” North Carolina-based Matt Van Swol, a photographer in Asheville, said in a post on X that now has nearly 9 million views. “This is literally saving lives.”

“Yes. I was able to send out texts for my family when we couldn’t get out because all exits were blocked by trees and power …