Apple has introduced emergency satellite features to the iPhone 13 series with its release of iOS 18.5 on Monday, broadening this critical capability previously reserved for iPhone 14 and later models. The emergency satellite functionalities enable users to reach emergency services in regions where cellular reception and Wi-Fi are unavailable, providing users with satellite-based text messaging, contact sharing with emergency contacts, and roadside assistance requests.
Primarily, the update integrates carrier-supported satellite services—such as T-Mobile’s collaboration with Starlink—and users can determine their device’s compatibility through the Cellular menu in the iPhone’s Settings.
The iPhone’s satellite emergency system has already demonstrated significant real-world value, reportedly contributing to numerous rescues. First responders have highlighted its role in saving lives, including assisting lost or injured hikers and evacuating individuals threatened by environmental dangers such as wildfires.
Beyond satellite connectivity, iOS 18.5 introduces several further refinements. Notably, Screen Time—Apple’s parental control platform—now alerts parents when their child successfully enters the parental passcode. Updates also enhance the Mail application by providing a dedicated “All Mail” tab, add new Pride-themed wallpaper selections, and streamline subscriptions within the Apple TV app on smart TVs and connected devices. Additionally, the patch resolves a known issue where the Apple Vision Pro app could launch improperly, displaying a black screen, along with other minor fixes impacting Siri, enterprise applications failing to load, and various stability improvements.
In conjunction with the release for iPhone, Apple has issued parallel updates, including iPadOS 18.5 focusing mainly on bug fixes, visionOS 2.5, watchOS 11.5, and critical security updates for macOS Ventura 13.7.6 and macOS Sonoma 14.7.6.
