Apple praised for ‘literally saving lives’ amid Hurricane Helene as new iOS 18 feature is rolled out
The iPhone feature could be a lifeline for those affected by Hurricane Helene
It was only last month that Apple began rolling out the latest update to iOS, and it's already 'saved lives'.
iOS 18 brought a range of features to smartphones, such as currency conversion for the calculator app.
Though some of these upgrades could be described as ‘lifesavers’, one particular new feature has literally been saving lives in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern US, leaving death and devastation in its wake.
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Over 135 people are known to have lost their lives, and many towns have been left without power or cellular service.
As a result, trapped residents are unable to call for help, and worried friends and family cannot get in touch with loved ones.
A solution is available for iPhone users who have iOS 18, however, since it implements satellite messaging features for compatible models.
This allows iPhone users in affected areas to communicate, and potentially get help if required.
Twitter/X user Matt Van Swol was direct in his praise, saying: “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. This is literally saving lives Apple.”
There are some caveats, however. Only users who have an iPhone 14 or later model can use the satellite messaging feature.
It also needs users to be located in a high elevation area to function.
Van Swol said that it was a roughly 50/50 chance of working. Which, as Van Swol rightly points out, is better than no service at all.
In areas with no cellular service, iPhone users still have a range of options for communication.
This includes direct contact with emergency services using the Emergency SOS via Satellite function, which was introduced with the release of iPhone 14.
New to iOS 18 is iMessage over satellite, which allows encrypted texts, emojis and replies to let users contact friends and family.
When going off the grid, iPhone users with a compatible device will be immediately prompted to connect to the nearest satellite right from the messages app to begin messaging.
Apple CEO Tim Cook also posted on Twitter/X about the disaster, saying that Apple would be making a donation to assist with relief efforts on the ground in affected areas.