After using both my iPhone 14 with satellite messaging via iOS 18 and my InReach side-by-side on two recent backcountry hunts, I can tell you that I won't be cancelling my InReach service anytime soon. Don't get me wrong, sat messaging being native to a cell phone is
awesome and serves as a viable emergency contact method for most recreational users. It's also pretty slick to be able to text back and forth with anyone for free, from my regular cell number, when in the backcountry.
HOWEVER
Be aware that:
- iPhones do not stay connected to the sat network - you have to do it manually each time you want to send or check messages.
- iPhone sat messaging cannot be used in airplane mode, which means that your phone will be spending lots of energy roaming, which can quickly drain a battery, especially a colder and/or older battery.
- iPhone sat messaging cannot be used when the phone is able to connect to a network; the obviously problem here is that sometimes phones "connect" without actually being able to send a text or make a call. If you happen to be in one of these spots during an emergency, you're SOL.
- As cell networks expand into more and more remote areas, this problem only intensifies for backcountry hunters (esp in the lower 48).
I have to assume that all of these issues are known to Apple and everyone else working on cell-phone sat systems, but they are very important caveats for the moment.
Long story short, for most backcountry users who make a few trips a year and only need the emergency services or to let loved ones know they'll be late, etc, the need to spend $$$ on an inreach has mostly disappeared. But if you're frequently needing to communicate from the backcountry via satellite, you'll still either need an inreach or a
lot of external battery packs to keep your phone alive while you're out.
