Android 15 brings messages via satellite!

There may or may not be enough network coverage to send an SMS, but there are countries and regions where this is not always a given. When there’s a need and you can’t find it today, having a device that can send messages via satellite can be a lifesaver. Apple and HUAWEI (for China) have long brought the ability to send SOS messages via satellite.

Now it’s the turn of the rest as Android 15 brings this functionality. In a dig into the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 code, expert Mishaal Bahnam found parts of the code from the Messages app, which enables sending SMS via satellite. The new feature will allow the user to send and receive text messages via satellite, if of course they have the corresponding account for the service. The device will switch to satellite signal when it cannot receive a signal from an antenna.

For maximum performance, the app recommends that the user have visual contact with the sky, as obstacles can interfere with communication. But what can be seen from the application settings is that when the device is connected to a satellite network, the user will be able to send messages to any number, not just SOS messages. Once the device gets a signal again, it will automatically switch to the mobile network for messaging.

Now you will wonder how the device will be able to connect to a satellite, when it does not have the necessary equipment. It looks like SpaceX and T-Mobile have found the solution. In 2022, the two companies joined forces for “Direct to Cell,” a technology that allows existing LTE phones to communicate with low-orbit Starlink satellites. SpaceX already sent these satellites in February. Rumor has it that T-Mobile is preparing to announce this groundbreaking feature soon. It seems that Google is also preparing to announce the new feature, as seen by the Android 14 QPR3 beta, which includes this function.

But don’t be too quick to celebrate as we don’t know much about satellite messages on Android. While it looks like existing phones will be able to support this feature, it’s not known if it will be T-Mobile-only or if it will roll out outside the US soon.