Many people are aware that Apple enabled the ability to send emergency SOS messages via satellite in iphones. I believe we probably have a few cases this year in which that feature was used by groups in trouble.

Apple announced yesterday that they are going to support that ability to text via satellite on iphone 14 and 15.

This feature is expected in September of this year. I would expect a cost associated with this.


Photo Credit: Apple

This is great for emergencies, but I have to say one of my favorite things about the BWCA is that in most places you have no choice but to disconnect. Eventually the internet will be available everywhere. It already is if you use the right Sat phone.
This is one step closer to that day where being connected in the wilderness is as simple and seamless as it is in the cities, and I think it's kind of a sad moment.

I'm with you on that one. That's one reason I go to the BWCA, to get away from social media and actually get some peace.

They mention sending a text by aiming at the directed spot in the sky. No mention of receiving a text .Down the road this may work but for true emergency use two way texting available on other devices is the surefire answer.

You dont have to have SM ya know? Im 43 and never had it and honestly dont feel like I am missing anything but a huge headache. SM is hot garbage…just delete it and problem solved…I dono food for thought.

I would agree on not wanting cell phones in camp. But we use our cell phones for GPS, as a screen for the Deeper fish finder, and most of all to work with the Garmin In REach and the Zoleo.

I understand guys wanting to uplug. But why would you not want the ability to call help or ask medical questions on how to address a situation?

AdventureRob: "You dont have to have SM ya know? Im 43 and never had it and honestly dont feel like I am missing anything but a huge headache. SM is hot garbage…just delete it and problem solved…I dono food for thought. "

Technically this forum is social media. An online community of people talking and sharing information.

Remember, you are in control. If you wish to “unplug” just do so. It is up to you.

Most people would consider me elderly and I do one to two trips each year. I always do one solo trip.

I look forward to having this new functionality. I feel having an emergency lifeline available is as important as wearing a flotation device. Having it on my cell phone will be a great feature.

However, I will only ever use it for emergencies.

+1

Yes! If you don't want cellular or satellite, just turn it off. If speaks volumes that we as a society can't control ourselves or our family members when it comes to the phones and internet

Another +1. It's all about self control. If you don't want to be texted, called, emailed, etc., turn those capabilities off.

My expectation is that within the next decade all cell service will be satellite-based or at least coverage will be good enough where coverage is near-complete, so start practicing turning on airplane mode now...

To borrow a quote we use with the younger guys:

"your mother didn't come with us"

Take personal resonsibility. Don't impose your choices on others

geotramper: "Another +1. It's all about self control. If you don't want to be texted, called, emailed, etc., turn those capabilities off.


My expectation is that within the next decade all cell service will be satellite-based or at least coverage will be good enough where coverage is near-complete, so start practicing turning on airplane mode now..."

According to coverage maps it looks like I will have decent service around Ely this year with TMobile. I'm curious to see how it is. Though I'll mostly have it off to conserve battery anyway.

AdventureRob: "You dont have to have SM ya know? Im 43 and never had it and honestly dont feel like I am missing anything but a huge headache. SM is hot garbage…just delete it and problem solved…I dono food for thought. "

what is SM? abbreviations are getting out of hand these days

what is SM? abbreviations are getting out of hand these days

Social Media

Marten: "They mention sending a text by aiming at the directed spot in the sky. No mention of receiving a text .Down the road this may work but for true emergency use two way texting available on other devices is the surefire answer."

The current SOS emergency is one way. The feature being rolled out in Sept (or there abouts) is two way texting.

Starlink service which I think will start with texting this fall and then voice later sounds like a better back country solution, you will have the ability to talk vs text to emergency services as long as you can see the sky.

I think the problem becomes when the ability to communicate is easy and ubiquitous. For years, I could say that I am going camping and it is expected that I will be out of touch. It is simply what comes with the activity. And one of the very nice parts of the activity. But once messaging becomes easy on every cellphone, no matter where you are, then being out of touch becomes a specific choice. It won’t any longer be, I’m out of touch because I’m camping. It will be,
I’m camping and I’m out of touch because I just don’t want to be in touch. It won’t be different than saying, “I’m at home but I won’t be in touch because I’m turning my phone off.” That might become harder for families or jobs to accept. Yes, you can make that choice but there are pressures such as elderly parents and family emergencies.

But I do like the emergency capability. But I already have that with a PLB or Garmin device.

Let’s hope that it costs enough to be a barrier.