Will the emergency satellite text messaging work 100 miles offshore, off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico?

Hey there Justinp1234,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities. To get started, have you had a chance to review all the information listed in the 'Related Article' that was shared on this thread? Here's that link again, just in case: Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone 14 - Apple Support

How Emergency SOS via satellite works

Emergency SOS via satellite can help you connect with emergency services under exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching emergency services are available. If you call or text emergency services and can't connect because you're outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, your iPhone tries to connect you via satellite to the help that you need.

When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular. In ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and the horizon, a message might take 15 seconds to send, and over a minute to send under trees with light or medium foliage. If you're under heavy foliage or surrounded by other obstructions, you might not be able to connect to a satellite. Connection times can also be impacted by your surroundings, the length of your message, and the status and availability of the satellite network.

Emergency SOS via satellite will be available with an iOS 16 software update coming in November 2022.

Emergency SOS via satellite availability

- To use Emergency SOS via satellite, you need an iPhone 14 model. It will also require an iOS 16 software update coming in November 2022.

- You also need to be in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

- Emergency SOS via satellite is available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada.

- International travelers who visit the U.S. and Canada can use Emergency SOS via satellite, except if they bought their phone in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao. Emergency SOS via satellite isn't offered on iPhone models purchased in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao.

- Emergency SOS via satellite isn't available in Guam or American Samoa.

- Emergency SOS via satellite might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Canada and Alaska.

Based on the information above, as long as you're within the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you should be able to you Emergency SOS on your iPhone.

We hope that's able to help.

Take care!