Can the new iphone replace my garmin inreach?

So can it? If so do you like the system? I currently have a inreach mini and if the new iphone can replace it ill buy it

 

2x

 

Wait, what?

iPhone does not have SatCom capability. You are tied to a carrier network or wifi. Point of an inreach is to have communication capability in the wilderness. iPhone ain’t helping you call for help stranded in the middle of nowhere with zero traditional network access.

 

well that answers that, thank you. Just saw where it said you can call for help in the middle of nowhere, was just wondering, thx

 

Garmin Inreach uses satellites to make calls/send texts. In practice cloud coverage and other natural factors limit reception, but satcom gives you the best chance at making an emergency call if/when need be.

If you are purchasing such a device, make sure to read up and know your equipment before use.

 

That’s some sort of text feature via satellite, not full service internet via satellite.

 

I understand that the new iphone does have SatCom that can be used in case of emergencies. The satelite can also be used to pinpoint yourself when out of service for contacts to see where you are. It will be a paid service but I think first year is free.

 

My opinion...

Some times A tool. is better than a Multi tool.

 

They haven't launched that feature on the new iPhones yet but it's right around the corner, so no one has had a chance to use it yet. I got a new one and I'm waiting on that.

Edit with link: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426

 

with the new feature are u still gonna have a seperate emergency device or no?

 

I don't actually have a dedicated satellite device so this made sense to me as a half-step toward that direction. Kinda wanted a better camera, screen brightness, and battery life anyway and I got a good deal on an iPhone 14 pro all at once so it made sense to me that way. I don't do too much hyper remote adventuring so I feel good about it. If I was doing more seriously isolated stuff I'd probably want an inreach or similar for the extra confidence.

 

Pretty interesting feature. First I have heard about it on an iphone, thanks for the heads up.

 

The thing I like about my Garmin inReach is that not only can I send non-emergency messages to my family, they can also send me messages too. It's nice to know if they have an emergency while I'm gone that they can contact me to come home.

 

I believe the I phone is limited to the emergency call centre communication though I may be wrong.

My preference is my zoleo. Far more cost effective than the Garmin inreach.

In Canada, zoleo is $260 plus initial $25 connection fee then packages are $25, $45 or $75 or month depending on the number of messages you require. Not sure on US pricing. It first looks for a wifi network, then a cell network and if neither are found the connects via Iridium satellites. Only Sat messages lodge against your credits.

 

The future is near. Space X and T Mobile are working to make smart cell phones connect to satellites so you have no dead zones and like a SatPhone can call from anywhere on earth. Pretty much will end stand alone Sat Phones. Apple, Verizon and other companies are also working on this. They plan availability by late 2023.
Best of all, according to T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert, the service will be a free add-on to T-Mobile customers who currently subscribe to its most common wireless plans (other customers with lesser plans will likely have to pay a small monthly fee if they want to use it). To help drive global satellite coverage, T-Mobile has also pressed other worldwide carriers to join in via new reciprocal roaming.
Your cell phone will then be a cell phone, a sat phone, a gps etc. you’ll be ably to make contact anywhere in the world. This will be great for so many people and purposes, especially for people going deep into remote areas. Wish that was available when I was doing 10 day plus backpacks into remote primitive wildernesses.