Apple IOS 18 Just KILLED Garmin InReach... Here's Why. (Satellite Messaging)

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[borker]

Hopefully it'll force Garnin to lower the InReach subscription costs to remain competitive.

[drumdude]

I think the other big difference is the ruggedization of the satellite communication devices. I have both the iPhone and Garmin inReach, but I trust the Garmin way more than my iPhone. It's pretty easy to break a phone in the backcountry or have you ever tried using a touchscreen in the rain. I like that I can basically throw the Garmin down a cliff and it will still work, and the physical buttons can be used in any weather.

[ZotmundSzele]

"I'm lost in the woods"
Reply with emoji: haha xD LOL 😂

[allenc]

I just bought an iPhone 15Pro specifically for the emergency satellite capability. I am really pleased to hear of the update to text messages via satellite, an unexpected bonus. I am an older outdoor person, but not a serious adventurer who would probably benefit from the Garmin. My concern is a trip-fall injury where I would need help. Thanks for the update information it is well presented.

[RollGlide]

Competition is always good for consumers. InReach will need to adjust the pricing model to survive this.

[JamesWindland]

I sold my Inreach when I bought my iPhone 15 Pro. I go on a 3 to 4 week hike once a year and do 4 or so overnight hikes in addition to that. I have not felt as though I miss the Inreach, as all I wanted it for was emergency situations anyways. Now that I can send regular messages soon, I would not consider an Inreach again.

[MattLitkeRacing]

On my motorcycle I have my iPhone attached to the handle bars and the inReach is on me. If I have a crash that separates me from the iPhone I have a backup on me. Doesn’t hurt to have two options in remote areas

[sedricthomas]

This could be a game changer and would definitely have me upgrade my phone by the end of the summer. The subscription is pricey on the Garmin Inreach for the chance you might use it. Here in North Texas on trails it’s nice to have been but rarely necessary.

[matt.mckinzie]

We have both, the garmin will last days on a battery
Or years in your back pack
Vs iPhone dies within hours while searching for signal

So yes while both can do it
One is more dependable

[juliocruz]

Great feature, but can someone answer this question. If you need to point your device and find a satellite to send a message. Doesn't that mean that the same has to be done to receive a reply also. Seems that you would have to keep that phone in the same position and hope that the person replies asap. Or am I missing something here. Unlike the Garmin inReach the device does not need to be pointed in a particular direction so I would receive my messages as they come in. Would love not to pay for a gamin subscription but that seems to be a big difference in how the devices operate.

[ab]

I own an inReach and hate the way Garmin has setup their subscription model, so very excited about this.

[username]

Battery life is a big difference but is the subscription cost of the InReach really worth the difference? You can just carry a battery pack.

[JerelMcCollum]

You’ve been killing it with all of these videos! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[giro]

Apparently sending your location via Find My iPhone is already in there, at least with iOS 17.5.1. I was backpacking in Desolation Wilderness without cell service for a few days. I turned off airplane mode to try to get signal at the top of a hill, but it didn't quite have it. 2-3 hours later, the iPhone dinged and asked if I wanted to send my location via satellite. So I followed the directions of pointing the iPhone. With steep rock around, the first try failed but it let me know another satellite would be by in 7 minutes. I tried again about 10 minutes later and it worked.

I don't know if the prompting was due to not having signal for a couple hours when not in airplane mode, or based on being out of cell coverage for 3 days. Either way, it was fun to try it out. And talking to people on our local search and rescue teams, while other options are still seeing more use, the iPhone SOS feature has helped them find people at least a few times already. Further messaging options will be well used here, since many of the local ski resorts have areas with no cell coverage, along with some of the summertime trails here.

[cutterdevil]

I am considering replacing my old iPhone XS with the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro because of the satellite SOS feature. When I lived in Hong Kong, the cell network coverage was excellent, eliminating the need for a satellite device. However, now that I have moved to BC, I worry about how to call for help when I go to the countryside. Some of my friends suggest buying an InReach, but I don't want to spend money on and carry an extra device. Therefore, I think the satellite feature on the iPhone is definitely a game-changer compared to other recreational satellite devices on the market.

[paulius.sinkora]

This ended up being a really great ad for the Garmin

[adventureundone]

I was in a motorcycle accident in the mountain last year. No cell service off road in the mountains.
Used my iPhone 14 Pro Max to get help, worked great (minus a few clouds) I also keep my Apple Watch on me so I always have it on me all the time, and it will communicate with the phone.

[solebrother]

As you mention Dave, battery life is still quite key here. Having satellite messaging from an iPhone is great (I'd maybe consider switching my Samsung Android to iPhone for this feature, but only when any future service costs are disclosed). For multi-day events or adventures, Garmin InReach etc definitely have the advantage for peace of mind/dependability - critical when you most need it - in an emergency.

[MrMichaelfalk]

inreach is for a specific usecase - those who need it will never rely on a iPhone..

[Phil_co]

One thing to note is that Inreach uses the Iridium satellite network (66 satellites), which is more robust than the iPhone’s satellite feature that relies on Globalstar’s network (24 satellites). In some valleys, it’s possible you may not get a signal. Additionally, the recently released Starlink Mini could make this market more competitive, especially if Starlink broadens its services in this area.