Apple has been offering satellite-based SOS services on iPhones since 2022. The company started allowing users to send regular messages via satellite with the iOS 18 version. Android users have been waiting for the same for a very long time. However, the Android 15 version finally brought satellite messaging support. Some telecom operators like T-Mobile have already started testing satellite messaging services. Now, it looks like Google is also ramping up its work on offering satellite messaging in the Google Messages app.
As we've already mentioned, the devices based on Android 15 will support satellite messaging functionality. However, the feature isn't live yet as the telecom operators still have much of the work to do. T-Mobile recently announced that its satellite messaging feature, in partnership with SpaceX's Starlink, is finally going into beta testing mode. But, we still don't know how the feature could potentially work on Android using Google Messages.
However, the folks over at Android Authority managed to enable satellite messaging in the Google Messages app on an Android 15-powered device. In the images shared by the source, we can finally see what the satellite messaging will look like in the native messaging app of Android.
Notably, the screenshots of the Google Messages app show when satellite messaging is available. If your device doesn't have a stable cellular or Wi-Fi connection, you will see a prompt that reads "Connect to satellite to send and receive messages" in the app. The prompt at the top of the texting app will also have a Connect option.
Furthermore, the source claims that Google Messages will only offer one-on-one chats via satellite. Notably, the satellite messaging feature may not support the Group chats. As of now, the publication hasn't found an option to connect via satellite in the Group chats.
Tapping the Connect option will enable satellite messaging. However, it's not clear if it will automatically terminate your device has cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity again. For those unaware, all Android 15-based phones will get the satellite messaging feature. However, it will only work once your carrier rolls out support for this functionality.