Google Messages may soon let you text anyone using satellite messaging feature

Satellite messaging isn’t new and it is already available on select Apple iPhones. However, on the Android side, we haven’t seen any new phones coming with Satellite connectivity. Yes, we did see phones like Motorola Defy, which came with a Defy Satellite Link (an accessory) to enable satellite messaging. But that’s not a true standalone solution to boast in front of Apple. Google, however, is changing that with Android 15 through Google Messages.

Google is bringing two-way satellite messaging to Android

With Android 15, Google may finally enable native support for satellite connectivity on Android. Interestingly, the rumours for the same were ongoing for a long time, but what was not expected was how it would work.

As per 9to5Google, Google may bring support for satellite connectivity on Google Message. As per a few strings found in the beta version, Google may not only allow emergency messaging services, but also let users message anyone on the satellite network.

Google is probably bringing two-way messaging via satellite connectivity akin to Garmin’s feature on its InReach device. This will be a major step ahead as the iPhone’s satellite connectivity only offers emergency messaging services. This means you can connect to emergency responders by sharing your location via Find My. This is a one-way feature and you cannot get a response back.

But with Google’s version via the Messages app, users will be able to send and receive messages provided the skies are clear. One thing to note is that you’d not be able to send media such as photos and videos through satellite messaging. Also, it may take longer to deliver messages.

We first learned about this feature from the Android 15 Developer Preview on Pixel devices. Google will send a notification when you are connected to a satellite and the process will apparently work automatically. The notification will say “Auto-connected to satellite” and ‘You can send and receive messages without a mobile or Wi-Fi network’.

As of now, there’s only this much that we know about the feature. The exact implementation should be known at launch in May at the Google I/O 2024 event.

Google will bring some interesting updates to the Android OS with Android 15. This includes the ability to password-protect PDF files, share audio via Bluetooth, and some design changes throughout the UI.

We are still learning about Google’s next Android version. If you own the latest smartphone, chances are that you will most probably get the Android 15 update. As to when, that your phone manufacturer decides. You can check the software support of your Android phone on your phone company’s official website.