What Apple Doesn't Want You To Know

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[brycewalburn]

I don't think that iPhone satellite messaging will convince many Garmin users to switch, but I do think it will convince many people who hike without any satellite communication ability that the iPhone is good enough.

[sloanNYC]

Why the clickbait title and dramatic pauses and music? You don't need this silliness, you do great work.

[Feeris]

Apple may be trying to kill Satellite communicators, but the subscription to use the Garmin sure is rushing it along

[EyeHike]

As a backpacker, one thing that has multiple uses beats taking multiple things. Phone, camera, satellite communicator, music, clock, backup flashlight. I’ll just take the phone, every time I’ve shopped for a satellite communicator I hate the price, but a subscription on top of that to make it work, I just can’t.

[nohandle]

Of course, backcountry hiking isn't the only use-case for Garmin - that $50 with images is HUGE for private sailors who are crossing oceans. To be able to send a photo of a broken engine part or similar could mean life or death

[Gear_Frontier]

I give it less than 3 years before dedicated sat communicators are killed off by phones.

[ronb]

If you’re car camping, on a well used trail, or are in a group, just use your iPhone. If you’re backpacking solo off the beaten path, or in a potentially dangerous area and there’s no one for miles, bring a satellite communicator.

[niftyfiftyphoto]

I used this via the beta for a mountaineering trip and had an amazing experience with the iphone texts, I never needed to turn on my inreach, I think using this more would have shown that it is incredible. That said, if SHTF I still bring my inreach

[TheWillRogers]

For satellite messaging I think about it more and more. Instead of satellite communicators I've only used PLBs, the FastFind 220 specifically. I never liked the monthly cost, the battery life, and I didn't like the concept of getting into a debate with SAR. When I hit the big red button that means I cannot safely extract the person in need (you're more likely to use your beacon for another than you are yourself!) and I want the chopper to be inbound. But the monthly rates seem to be getting better and the thought of sending 'at camp' / 'leaving camp' messages to my partner is getting more and more appealing.

I would never have a single device be so important, having your cellphone be your emergency beacon, your map, your communication... too many eggs in a basket that could become inoperable if you trip and the phone hits a rock, or if there's a rock under your tent and you accidently press your phone screen right into it (personal experience...). Phones are too fragile to be that important.

[siberx]

For me, the thing that keeps me from buying a satellite messenger is not necessarily the cost itself, it's the plan lock-in. My usage model is very intermittent because I'm not in the wilderness every month, so it doesn't do me any good if the monthly fee is reasonable if I need to subscribe for a minimum of 12 months of whatever (at least initially). I'd be happy to buy the device for the prices they're selling if you could simply sign up for a $5-20 monthly plan with no strings attached when you need it and cancel any time, but _none_ of the satellite communicators work this way.

I ended up getting a PLB instead; it was a bit more expensive up front, but it's good for 7 years before the battery needs replacement and at least fills the emergency response aspect for me (although it doesn't do any "convenience" messaging).

[frstesiste]

Satellite messaging with phones will of course cut into the satellite communicator market but if you really need it in an emergency, I'd trust a dedicated device a lot more than a cell phone with limited battery life and less rugged construction.

[amunak_]

A dedicated device is better if for no other reason that you're SOL if your phone breaks (and even if somehow the InReach broke then you still have a second device - your phone - and hopefully can use it to save yourself).

With that being said I hope this will pressure Garmin and others to make their subscriptions more reasonable. At the very least if I buy a 300$+ device that'S supposed to save my life I expect it to save my life at any time without additional ongoing fees. Like sure, charge me a 100$ one-time fee if I do end up needing it, but the fact that it's a brick if you don't pay the subscription should be criminal.

Same with the cancellation/activation fees and crap. Like, make the pricing actually consumer-friendly... Because if you don't you'll succumb to the phone market replacing you *very* soon.

[RESISTAGE]

my zoleo last me 2 weeks on a charge.
can any phone do that?
that's wgy I stick to comm device not a cell phone

[Erik_The_Viking]

My concerns about the iPhone are with durability and reliability. The dedicated devices are considerably more robust for outdoor conditions. I'm glad to see Apple getting into the game, as it will definitely force the other manufacturers to start making better devices. They know very well that a lot of people will be more than happy to jump ship.

[LostLakes]

These are crucial practical factors I hadn't fully thought about. Relying on an iPhone with the one bar transmission issue gives me shivers. But I'm an Android user anyway heh. Even if I was an iPhone user, I would still be carrying a sat comm device. I'm sure phones will get much better at this soon, but when it comes to IT (especially lifesaving IT), redundancy always has great value

[davidschultz]

Does anyone really think that Apple is trying to kill off Garmin’s/Zolea’s satellite messaging business? You have some good information in the video. You don’t need a clickbate title. It only diminishes your credibility.

[jgalleg]

As someone who does a fair bit of solo backpacking and bikepacking I think I'll stick with my InReach for now. Yes, the iPhone has some MAJOR advantages for a lot of people, but the fact that my InReach can message and do SOS without the need for a phone along with a battery that can last for multiple days without a charge is the deciding factor for me. Whenever I buy a newer phone (I currently have an iPhone 12 Pro Max) the satellite communication ability will be nice to have, but I won't be getting rid of my InReach anytime soon.

[cyclone]

I think its great that Apple is expanding their capabilities and helping the occasional outdoor enthusiast stay in contact with loved ones. But If you are a dedicated outdoor adventurer, get the dedicated tools. Garmin and companies like them have built their system specifically for navigation and communication in areas where thats not usually possible. Especially when it comes to SOS and other emergencies. As much as I love and rely on my iPhone, I don’t trust it with my life. in my opinion, these are two different tools used for two different purposes.

[BackcountryRenegade]

nice vid, alot of the same points i mentioned in my iphone vs garmin vid as well. I do like that garmin brought in photos with their new device, but another thing they did with the new messenger, that you didnt mention is they also brought voice messenges. A big game changer imo. Iphone is going to be subscription no doubt in the next year or two. Garmin for the win

[CookingMike]

I live in the Denver area too ! I work as a cook here gret area. Its crazy how quickly you loose signal around here. Ive been saving thinking about a Garmin, but the overall value of just upgrading my phone for an sos sound sprerty reasonable .