Apple‘s latest software update, iOS 18, brings a groundbreaking feature to the iPhone‘s messaging app: the ability to send and receive messages via satellite. Announced at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), this innovation promises to revolutionize communication, especially for those who frequently find themselves off the grid.

Imagine you’re on a remote camping trip, miles away from any cell towers. An emergency arises, and you need to reach loved ones. With iOS 18, you’ll no longer be stuck hoping for a signal. Your iPhone 14 (or later, once updated) will be able to connect directly to orbiting satellites, allowing you to send text messages, emojis, and even those fun little “Tapbacks” through iMessage or SMS. This critical update ensures you can stay connected even in the most far-flung locations.

But satellite connectivity isn’t the only exciting addition to iMessage. Apple is showering its messaging app with a wave of new features. Ever wished you could schedule a text to go out at a specific time? Well, now you can! Need a more expressive way to react to a message? iOS 18 lets you tapback with any emoji, not just the limited selection offered before. Feeling creative? Take advantage of the new message effects to add a touch of flair to your conversations.

Apple is also addressing longstanding user requests for improved text formatting options. Bolding, underlining, italics, and strikethrough are finally making their way to iMessage, giving you more control over the way you express yourself.

The update doesn’t stop there. iMessage is finally catching up with the times and integrating RCS (Rich Communication Services), a messaging standard that allows for features like improved media sharing and typing indicators. This means smoother communication between iPhone users and those on Android devices.

Looking beyond iMessage, iOS 18 brings a plethora of exciting updates for your iPhone. The homescreen is getting a makeover, offering more customization options to tailor your phone’s layout to your preferences. Security gets a boost as well, with new features that require authentication before you can access individual apps, giving you more control over your data.