Apple will allow millions of free text messages even if you have no signal – the list reveals whether your iPhone is instantly eligible

A life-changing Apple update lets you text for free — even if you don’t have phone signal.

It’s called Satellite Messaging, which gives a big clue as to how it works.

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Apple has been offering Emergency SOS via Satellite for a few years now, allowing you to contact emergency services without a phone signal.

It works by using satellites that pass overhead to transmit messages.

Now Apple is extending this to its Messages app for sending regular texts, all as part of the upcoming iOS 18 update.

“There’s a new way to stay connected whenever you don’t have Wi-Fi or cellular service,” said Apple’s Ronak Shah at this week’s WWDC event in California.

“We are using the same innovative technology that gave us Emergency SOS via satellite to bring messages via satellite.

“Now you can use satellite resources in iPhone 14 and later to connect to satellites hundreds of miles above the Earth to text your friends and family when you’re off the grid, all right from the Messages app.”

The good News is that there is no limit to the number of texts you can send.

And you can send not only iMessage texts but also regular SMS messages.

Additionally, all iMessage texts you send will be end-to-end encrypted as normal.

There are some problems.

For starters, you’ll only be able to send and receive text messages, emoji, and reaction Tapbacks.

You will not be able to share photos or videos – nor receive them.

And the other problem is that not all iPhone owners will be able to access this feature.

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APPLE SATELLITE MESSAGING – ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Firstly, the feature will only come to the iPhone models running iOS 18.

This is only available on select models, so very old devices will not work.

It’s important to note that iOS 18 won’t arrive until the fall – probably mid-September.

Most importantly, not all devices will receive the Satellite Messaging feature.

It is only available on iPhone 14 or later models.

This means you will need:

• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

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And it’s likely that if Apple announces an iPhone 16 later this year, that will happen too.

Additionally, there is no guarantee that this feature will be free forever.

Apple is currently making it free for two years when you buy your new iPhone.

There is a chance this will be extended (as has happened previously), but there is no confirmation yet.