Apple has rolled out iOS 18.5, extending its emergency satellite capabilities to iPhone 13 users for the first time. Previously, this life-saving technology was available only on the iPhone 14 and newer models.

The satellite feature enables users to contact emergency services, send texts, share their location with emergency contacts, or request roadside assistance — all without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Since its introduction, the system has been credited with aiding in numerous rescues, including assisting lost hikers and people threatened by wildfires.

Though primarily used for emergencies, carrier-provided satellite services — such as those from T-Mobile via Starlink — can also be used for regular communications, like texting friends when off the grid. Users can check for availability under the Cellular section in Settings.

Beyond the expanded satellite support, iOS 18.5 introduces several smaller but useful enhancements. Parents using Apple’s Screen Time will now receive alerts if their child correctly guesses the parental passcode. The Mail app has also been updated to make the “All Mail” category easier to find, and users can now more easily subscribe to Apple TV content from smart TVs or connected devices.

Other additions include a new Pride wallpaper and bug fixes across several apps and features — notably resolving an issue that caused the Apple Vision Pro app to launch with a black screen, and addressing problems with Siri and enterprise applications.

The update was released alongside iPadOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5, watchOS 11.5, and security patches for macOS Ventura and Sonoma.