RIP Garmin Inreach … iPhones to allow satellite messages in ios18

[TheTone]

Elk hunted with a buddy last fall that was constantly on his inreach and iPhone satellite for texting his employees. After day 1 I was ready to throw both of them off a cliff. Sometimes people need a break from tech

 

[BobT1105]

My AT&T IPhone 17 works okay for casual satellite text messaging, I would rather have a Garmin for emergency use.

 

[Hunt&FishCO]

My buddy sold his inReach on FB right before the season last year thinking that he’d cash out on the device/subscription and rely on iPhone sat msg

He has since regretted that decision. Here’s the major drawbacks:

- No group messaging
- Waiting on satellites constantly to send / receive. Lots of latency
- You have to leave your phone unlocked to message (no multitasking with OnX)
- No redundancy
- Battery draw
- Basically missed opportunities because the rest of the group was on InReach and we’d forget to text him / wait on satellites to do so

 

[Chingon]

If you have T-mobile, the Starlink messaging is pretty seamless now. Works just like normal with pics, group texting, etc. Even weather, Google maps and other apps get limited data. This is what will kill Garmin's InReach.

In a pinch, the GPS Iridium SOS texting does work if you need it and just plan regular check-ins. For frequent comms it's annoying.

 

[crock239]

If you have T-mobile, the Starlink messaging is pretty seamless now. Works just like normal with pics, group texting, etc. Even weather, Google maps and other apps get limited data. This is what will kill Garmin's InReach.

In a pinch, the GPS Iridium SOS texting does work if you need it and just plan regular check-ins. For frequent comms it's annoying.

Yep...just returned from WY and the T mobile satellite function via Starlink was really good, almost too good (still getting annoying political text messages while elk hunting). Inreach likely staying home for trips in lower 48 in future.

Added T-Satellite for $10 for the month, seamless.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Yep...just returned from WY and the T mobile satellite function via Starlink was really good, almost too good (still getting annoying political text messages while elk hunting). Inreach likely staying home for trips in lower 48 in future.

Added T-Satellite for $10 for the month, seamless.

I've been running a Garmin for years, Alaska Africa and lower 48. 3 days battery life before thinking about charging. What kind of battery life are you getting with your phone?

 

[El Jason]

What kind of battery life are you getting with your phone?

Haha not 3 days.

 

[crock239]

I've been running a Garmin for years, Alaska Africa and lower 48. 3 days battery life before thinking about charging. What kind of battery life are you getting with your phone?

For me, max 1-2 days depending on how much youre one airplane mode. Garmin inreach definitely has better battery life.