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New Apple Satellite Messaging: Initial Thoughts
For years, one of the many tasks on my pre-hunt checklist has been activating my Garmin inReach Mini. I’d happily pay the $65 unlimited messaging plan to stay connected with my family while out of cell service. The setup, however, has always been a bit clunky—connecting the device to the satellite, pairing it via Bluetooth to my phone, and ensuring my wife could receive my messages. Garmin’s system isn’t perfect, but until now, it’s been the best option.
Well… I bet the folks at Garmin are feeling nervous.
I recently returned from a week-long elk hunt in Nevada, where I had the chance to try Apple’s new satellite messaging feature. After experiencing it firsthand, I’m not sure I’ll ever need to activate my Garmin again. Here’s a quick rundown of my initial thoughts:
Satellite Connection
Connecting to a satellite with Apple’s system is simple—but there’s a catch: it only works when you’re completely out of cell service. If you have even one bar of poor reception, the satellite option won’t activate.
Once you’re out of range, connecting to a satellite is fast and straightforward. A prompt in the Messenger app guides you on where to point your phone, and within moments, you’re connected. However, maintaining the connection requires attention. The satellites move quickly, so you may need to adjust your phone’s position to stay connected, especially during longer text conversations.
Other quirks I noticed:
- Character Limits: The maximum character count for messages fluctuated based on connection strength, typically hovering around 177 characters.
- Phone Locking: When your phone locks, the satellite connection disconnects. You’ll need to reconnect when you unlock it, which can be tedious. A simple workaround is to adjust your phone’s auto-lock settings to "Never" or extend it to 5 minutes.
Despite these minor inconveniences, Apple’s system delivered messages faster than my Garmin Mini—an impressive feat.

User Interface
One of Apple’s strongest advantages is its seamless integration. Everything happens within the familiar Messenger app, so there’s no need for additional devices or apps.
Here’s how it works:
- Open Messenger when you’re out of cell service.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to a satellite.
- Once connected, you can send messages like you normally would—complete with typing indicators for responses.
The ease of use is a game-changer, especially compared to Garmin’s multi-step setup process.
Features Beyond Messaging
Initially, I worried about losing Garmin’s SOS capability, but Apple has that covered too. Here’s a breakdown of the additional features I found useful:
- Emergency SOS: Sends a distress message to emergency crews, complete with built-in prompts to provide details about your situation.
- Roadside Assistance: Messages a local service provider for help if you break down in an area without cell service.
- Location Sharing via Find My: Allows you to share your location with friends or family. While I didn’t test this, it seems handy for coordinating help when packing out game in tricky terrain.
These features make Apple’s system a well-rounded alternative for outdoor enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Bye Bye Garmin?
Apple’s satellite messaging is currently available as a free beta for the next two years, and I’m optimistic they’ll refine the system further. My only hope is that Apple doesn’t slap an exorbitant price tag on this feature when the beta ends.
Coupled with downloaded offline maps on OnX, and I can’t think of a compelling reason to activate my Garmin again—at least for now.
If you haven’t tried Apple’s satellite messaging yet, give it a shot the next time you’re heading into the mountains. It’s an impressive step forward in satellite communication, and it just might change how you stay connected off the grid.