Seems like it would be a good backup but not a replacement at this time. Definitely a good sign of where technology could be headed in the next ~5 years though!

I wouldn’t think of the iPhone as a replacement for the in reach for the serious hiker but more like a backup system. The average person probably has never heard of an in reach so the 14 is a lot better than nothing.

I wouldn’t ditch my inReach until all of the questions are answered. The two-way non emergency communication is fantastic for keeping family up to date on treks too.

Thanks for this! Lots of good info. Definitely still need the InReach but having a phone with these capabilities is a major plus as well. More options for sure!

Great overview! To me logically it is less of a "Vs." and more of backup. I would never not bring my iPhone on a BP trip (camera, maps, music etc.) and I would never go on a backcountry bp trip without my InReach (unless really just a local hike). So now I have a backup... cool!

The SOS feature on the iPhone is a good start. I’m sure over time it’ll get much better, give it 2-3 years. ❤

iPhone definitely won’t be quite as dialed as the InReach, but I think it will bring new users to Apple. I’m considering upgrading to the iPhone 14 because of this feature. I spend a lot of time Mt biking in New Hampshire, and there isn’t always phone service. I can’t really justify the InReach but a little extra security that doesn’t actually cost anything just about has me sold

I’m happy that Apple is doing this. I just wish Apple would give once a year sos emergency when being in the backcountry, but have other subscriptions that people can text, call family or friends, create more detail weather reports using this satellite. Can’t wait to see how apple’s develop from this in the future.

I have had both the Delorm and now the mini. Great devices. For special tours the Iridium Extreme 9575 for voice capability. It can also be programmed for gps alert to the same emergency center that Garmin use, but not navigation and so.

Just got back from a 2 1/2 day backpacking trip, this vid helped clinch my decision to get a Mini InReach 2. I had mostly no cell service, which made it an issue w/communicating w/the Hubby. It would’ve been great if I could’ve texted my location so he could check on the paper map I had left for him or that I am packing up and heading toward my car.

Thanks for the great overview! As someone who only very occasionally might want a device like the inreach, and hasn't pulled the trigger on buying one yet, there's one upside to Apple entering the space - it might put some downward pressure on Garmin's pricing. I don't know anything about market share, but they sure seem to be the premier offering in the category. I'd love to see them knock a few bucks off the price of the device and the subscriptions.

I got to do some beta testing with this along with InyoSAR and I'll just caution people not to ditch their dedicated sat devices. I wish I could explain more about how it works and how it's different, but please wait until its available and real reviews are out to make an assessment. I think it's awesome tec. and will save a lot of lives, but it's more of an absolute last resort for people who very rarely find themselves outside of cell service.

Thanks for making this video, I was super curious about how this function would actually work on the iPhone.

The iPhone is an excellent solution for individuals infrequently heading to the backcountry or for those frequently driving through regions without cell coverage. For those in the outdoors often, the Garmin is still the way to go. I have an Inreach Mini-1 and will probably be buying a Mini-2 for my son. The only drawback for the Inreach is the subscription cost. If you’re out a lot, it’s no big deal. If you’re out infrequently, it’s either pay for service not used or going through the butt pain of remembering to activate/deactivate the subscription (although once you remember, the process isn’t hard).

Great blurb ... Just bought my inreach ..cant wait to take it camping Thank you

Nice summary. I have some piece of mind that my daughter uses the In Reach Mini for her adventures.

Such good research and video!!! Thank you for this!!

I actually did replace my Garmin InReach with the Iphone 14 pro max because I had never bothered activating my InReach, subscribed to the service, or even taken it along on any of my hiking trips. I really didn’t want the monthly subscription charge as I don’t hike that often (maybe twice a year). Often on the trail, I actually do have a cell signal and can text/communicate with family/friends. But on the occasion that I’m hiking alone and if I was injured and not able to get a wireless signal, the ability to SOS via satellite is very reassuring and all I needed to know. That’s why I upgraded my IPhone and sold my InReach mini. Hopefully the IPhone SOS will get better and better as time goes on, but it’s really all I needed even now!

I think having it available for FREE is a great asset, but I don't see it replacing the InReach. The things that you mentioned: ruggedness, battery life, etc. are all important in the back country. When ever the SpaceX/T-Mobile sat system shows up (also for FREE), then it might be time for people to consider dropping InReach. That is supposed to give you the normal texting that the InReach does. It is also planned to and even phone calls!

Thank for the details. I didn't know this info about the limitations of the new iPhone 14.

Thanks for the awesome help! Hope the full time KZfaq is going great.

Another advantage of InReach is that it functions in very cold temperature whereas iPhone either loses battery quickly or simply shuts itself down.

Excellent review. I got more out of this one than my normal go-to DCRainmaker who basically didn't know Globalstar covered Europe and developed areas outside of NA. That said I think it's important to note re: Apple's Emergency Response Center that if they follow normal procedure they've probably hired the experience they need to breach that hurdle - either former employees of the IERCC or experts so I wouldn't really consider that a problem. All the other aspects are important. I don't rely on Garmin though either. I guess I'm old school outdoorsman but I rely on only a simple epirb like device, no messaging and no complicated/expensive subscription, my experience and common sense to protect me. I don't go out expecting to need backup to get me out of trouble.

For emergency gear, the smart move is to have an excellent first-resort device and a make-do backup. For cross-country skiing I considered a spare pair of thick wool socks as a backup for my gloves. Not as good but serviceable. For communication, the best first-resort device is an InReach or for the budget conscious a Zoleo at half the price. As Justine notes, there are enough issues surrounding an iPhone that it only qualifies as a backup.

I just dumped my Zoleo and got an iPhone 15. I liked the features of the Zoleo over the InReach. I disperse camp and sometimes, not always, I dont have cell coverage to check in with my son and two friends in my notification group. Its just a quick check in to say I've landed for the night and will advise when Im back on pavement will cell service. Ive had the Zoleo for a year and a half and used it a handful of times. BUT, there have been two instances lately where Zoleo had 'tech issues' on there end and my Zoleo check in messages didn't go through. Aaargh! Its a good thing I didn't have a broken leg on a mountain top or I'd be dead because SOS didn't go through.

Fantastic review. So good I subscribed.

Thank you Justin, you just reminded me I need to charge my Zoleo. Nice new iPhone 😉

Very good points Justin! Thanks for pointing out the differences 👍

I hope they bring this service to Australia! I love mountain hiking here and have a dedicated SAT device but this is such a great feature for a back up. What I loved about their recent event was the new hardware and software really dedicated towards outdoor adventure safety. It’s great to see Apple moving forward in this direction 😊

I’m doing a solo motorcycle trip to the end of North Canol rd in the Yukon next year. I’ve been using a SPOT but need a way to communicate also. I have an iPhone 13 pro but it looks like the Inreach would be a good idea also.

What if you go with both? I need a new phone...and was going to get the mini 2 regardless

Appreciate you doing video but was hoping more for testing showing service working and comparison instead of just it mights or supposed to thoughts

Adding this capability to the iPhone is a good thing insofar as it will allow people who did not plan ahead to possibly reach help in an emergency. It is no replacement for the InReach though and I’m keeping mine. GlobalStar is older and inferior to the new Iridium network and InReach is better in every way *if* you thought to bring one with you.

You were incredible on That 70's show

Excellent rundown. Ill stick with getting a Inreach.

How did you get so much batter for the inreach ? I can only get a couple days

I think an iPhone and PLB isn't a bad combo, once starlink launch a cellular network with T-mobile, that might cast the end of inreach for recreational hikers

For matters of safety, always prefer dedicated devices. However, I appreciate making emergency services more available to more people. Doesn’t have to be a novice to forget or forego a device, and the pricepoint can be hard to accept for a couple trips out of the year where use is exceedingly unlikely.

As an exped sea-kayaker we are regularly out of cell-phone coverage, sometimes for a week at a time. Though in the far NW of Scotland you are never too far away from some kind of human habitation. We use a tiny Sony ICF-SW100 for weather reports on LW and are happy to embrace the wilderness and isolation. Part of the attraction for us is to leave coms and civilisation well behind and rely on our own skills, experience and judgment to stay safe and return home without incident. This is how all expeditions used to be only a few decades ago 😱 However … we have ditched our hand-held flares for an PLB in case we are ever incapacitated for any reason. (We use an Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1). Not cheap, but no subscription. It’s tested annually and will call the emergency services if we need to. I decided against inReach / Spot type services as the whole point of doing this kind of activity (for us) is to not communicate all the time with folks not on the trip. YMMV A mobile phone with satellite comms is something very much to keep an eye on as it develops I guess. It will be interesting to see where is goes and how it effects inReach and Spot type services. Commercial outfitters with paying customers will always have to do something like this. But private expeders can choose to behave a little differently if they want to. I wouldn’t go on a serious trip with someone who felt the need to be able to call home every 5 minutes.

Did an absolute replacement for the PCT in 2024. The iPhone isn’t replacing just one piece if gear but two, camera (GoPro) and SOS device (Inreach). So the choice is to carry three devices or one….huge difference. Yes dedicated devices will always offer more but the dropping of two electronic devices is too good of a savings.

Great points to think about. Thanks for sharing.

I have both devices, good to know that the Pro doesn’t support non-emergency message (i agree, is a really cool feature).

Yeah, I don't think I'd want to trust Apples emergency centre with my life at this point. Great review Jason.

I was hoping for more from the phone upgrade to sat. but it looks like for going into the back country the inreach is still the best bet. I have a Garmin Marq Expedition watch with some call if you fall feature but I think I will just continue to use that for bread crumbing in case I get lost and other data I can look at on the fly. The other thing about inReach you didn't mention is the insurance you can get with the plan. One trip out of the woods can soar above 20k in a heart beat. So be prepared for that. Pushing the SOS is a mute point if you shoot yourself when the bill comes. Try putting THAT on you iCharge LOL

Definitely not ditching my inReach but it’s definitely a nice backup option.

Nice to have but no, I am keeping my ZOLEO. Note, I just replaced the battery on my IPhone XR. I also have a PLB that I insist folks hiking or biking with me carry on them if they don’t have a messenger. The Iridium sat network is superior.

I'll go out fishing about 30~40 miles offshore. I was considering an inreach as something I can use to let friends\family know if I'm late so they won't be alarmed. I currently also have an iphone 8 and will soon be looking to upgrade. Originally I was going to get a iphone 13 to keep the costs down, but with this I will spend the extra money for the iphone 14. Leaving a crumb trail so my friends\family know where I am seems to be a great idea along with another way to call for help. But it not having 2 way communication, automatic crumb trails, and the needed battery life is a setback. On my boat I have a VHF and EPIRB. The more ways to communicate when something goes wrong the better. Honestly, if something goes really bad - I'll activate everything I can. The inreach is still a question mark for me. iPhone is good, but maybe not good enough....

Not available in New Zealand so won’t replace Inreach. Battery life is an issue. Dedicated battery for Inreach is definitely a reassuring feature.

These things are use case based. Doing a multi day hike in the back country? Might want a dedicated SOS device. Out day hiking in some normal hiking spot? iPhone might be fine. Also, are you an avid backpacker who does it all the time? Go dedicated maybe, you know what you’re doing. Go hiking in normal hiking spots every once in a while? iPhone probably works.

At the beginning of 2024 there is a cellular network that is allowing you to have service of texting anyone anywhere using satellite

It seems inevitable that in a few years that iPhones will be able to communicate directly with Starlink satellites or there will be Starlink branded mobile phones that use Starlink satellites.

Hi! Can you please try this under water? I am curious if the satelite signal can work under the sea. 😂

I was assuming that after the iPhone with satellite feature a lot of standalone gps comunicating systems will just half their monthly subscription plans or slash their rates hope that happens and Iridium has more points coverage across the globe 🌎.. May be next iteration from iPhone will be the two way communication with better battery optimization.. Now Android cellphones will also be using this feature in their comming flagship devices sooner and later beyond SOS we will be using satellite communication for voice calls, data as well... These standalone gps navigators have Battery juice that last over a week which is incredible👍

the roadside assistance feature of the iphone over satelitte is the real game changer. Probably 100x or 1000x more commonly needed service

I’m considering returning my recently purchased mini2, but I’d sure hate to be in a slot canyon in Utah and find my iPhone wasn’t up to snuff. When you need emergency comms, you NEED them.

I’m glad they r doing it but I still will take my mini along

I like the idea of the iPhone capability and it will no doubt get better over time. But I definitely wouldn't get rid of my Garmin inReach just yet!

This is great for the average person that is camping with no service. Probably not going to compete with the dedicated gps units required for the hard core back packers

what is your hoodie brand?

Starlink is coming as well on T-Mobile.

I want to see the satellite feature get tested by someone just because it sounds like it'd be hilarious if emergency services arrive to some random reviewers house for no good reason. Hopefully someone uploads something like that soon.

Excellent feedback, thanks

Your printed iPhone image pasted on an older phone is far superior than the new iPhone. So, I'll be taking that over anything else when I go into the backcountry next.

I have the In-Reach Mini A dedicated rescue unit thanks

It’s not a replacement but let’s be honest it’s good to know that your iPhone has that ability

5:10 it happends because while inreach scan for the satellites, iphone has information about where the satellite is supposed to be, and connects to it. I don't know hou precise and how much lasts that information, so suppose that you are on trail for 5 days, probably you wouldn't have cell sign to update satellite position data, so probably you can't usse the satellite.

Having a reflective satellite with the iPhone is not something I'd would want. I'm keeping my Garmin

Iphone struggles to even get 3G and a regular phone signal in the uk so I doubt this will work either 😅

how well does the iphones maps work when there is no signal? They're apps like google maps that can download maps and store maps on phone so you don't have to have an internet connection for the map load. Will downloaded google maps work with only a satellite connection?

Ya I’m not ditching my inreach yet!

Do you have a cut out iPhone

iPhone satellite function is more like a backup for people who already own InReach, Zoleo, Spot, etc. iPhone 14 is definitely a good upgrade, and it isn't harmful to have a backup device, especially in the backcountry. Also, this is a good starting point (or peace of mind) for weekend worriers. Many visit National Parks or do daily hikes in State Park or Forests during the weekend. And they are the ones that have limited outdoor experience and might not want to spend $$$ to purchase a dedicated GPS device for just occasional trips and hikes on weekends/holidays. I think that is the actual customer Apple wants to target. The news always shows some hikers who visit National Parks without GPS devices and are trapped on the trails, some even for days. Many just have a week off and decide to enjoy their lives in nature.

Being able to tell the missus back home - in a non-emergency situation - that my timing has changed or destination is altered, is something I can’t live without if it’s not available in the I-phone. And to just say g’night and good morning is important. Every text I send her also automatically attaches my gps coordinates and an interactive map with my location. I won’t be giving up my InReach anytime soon.

Is he really holding an iPhone with a print out of the satellite screen tapped on the front of the phone 💀😂💀😂💀😂💀

My bet is Starlink will come out with something to make both obsolete.

Just like in Auto industry theres also a saying in tech, avoid buying the 1st generation of any product especially when your life depends on it. I’ll stick with my tried and true Garmin mini 2 for now.

It will take a few years, but gps/satellite technology in phones will replace standalone gps units for backcountry use. It’s only a matter of time. Similar to how your Garmin GPS that sat on your cars dashboard is sitting in a kitchen drawer forgotten.

Keep your inreach guys !

Got rid of my inreach. I only will use it if I ever have an emergency situation which may be never. My garmin was too finicky and actually the battery on it wouldn’t last more than a day. Maybe I had the wrong settings but I think I had reasonable settings.

Will wait and see with Apple and T mobile.

You didn't mention the price difference. New iPhone's cost between $1000-2000 cad, depending on model and service provider

Its a great feature! But, Apple needs to take it to the next level. For hardcore explorers I would still get an in reach for its additional usefulness. Weather is a big issue when off grid.

Indeed a step in the right direction, but for now I think inReach is still better... but its seemingly only a matter of time till there won't be such thing as going off the grid in the backcountry :P

Of course it's a good thing that iPhone 14 has this feature. It is giving an emergency feature, for free (at least for 2 years) to the masses, 99+% who would never buy (and have never heard of) InReach. I suspect those who already own InReach will continue to use it, and those who would normally consider it would have to weigh out the pros/cons. For those who may do an occasional day hike in an out-of-cell place, I think the iPhone would be perfect, but for those who are routinely doing multi-day hikes, maybe not so much (or at least not yet).

Not everyone carries a garmin on the long trails. This is going to be a game changer for thru hiking.

well you shouldnt trust an inreach either with your life :) skills, experience and good gear and knowledge how to use it - inreach/phone - is a "we are in trouble and need help" kind of thing - but never something you can just count on will get you out - still need the skills and good decisions to be able to handle yourself without

I think it’s a step in the right direction for iPhone. However, the inreach mini is a far better choice at this point.

Something is always better than nothing, especially in an emergency. That being said, I will not be giving up my Garmin unit, my GPS map 66I anytime soon. I might consider it if Apple matches the capabilities of the inreach, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. I own a lot of Garman products from watches to GPS

Is that a cardboard iPhone?

There are an estimated 1 Billion iPhones in use. By the end of the year hundreds of thousands of the new 14 will be in use. By this time next year there will be tens of millions in use. While the 14 does not replace the inreach capabilities it will be good to know they will be more readily available everywhere in times of emergencies.

Sept the inreach is stupid expensive for its service

If I had an iPhone and lived in America, I would consider this function as a benefit (in the sense that I wouldn't pay anyone to remove it). Apart from that I prefer not mixing phone and navigation instrument (GPS) with emergency device. A phone will be used for multiple purposes and both phone and GPS will be handled multiple times and in different situations and is therefore much more susceptible to being drained for power and even being dropped and destroyed/lost (for example taking pictures and walking backwards to get a better view and then that nasty little stone hooked my foot, I might even get injured by the fall and need help; or if you get lost in dense fog in alpine mountains and try to use your phone to assist you in fine grained navigation between peeks and cliffs until there is no battery left - or are you ready to decide whether to use the rest of the battery for the SOS button just in case it shouldn't be sufficient to navigate you out of the situation?). The inReach mini that I have will typically be attached to my backpack or put inside the top lid pocket. And for longer hikes where battery drainage might be a problem (especially in winter when it can get very cold) I keep a small lightweight power bank dedicated to an emergency situation in case I for some reason managed to drain my inReach mini. So my answer to your question is that I probably would trust apple, but not so sure I would trust that the iPhone (or any other phone) would be in a condition to call for help in an emergency situation. Just my 2 cents.

I have a Delorme InReach model that I have been paying for six or seven years and have only used it to send messages maybe 20 times. So I have paid $2100 over the last seven years (not including the cost of the device) for a handful of messages. I will be canceling my subscription with Garmin for manly that reason. As long as I have access to emergency communication via my phone in North America while outside of cellular range I don't see any reason to pay for Garmin/Delorme InReach. As far as weather goes I there are plenty of ways to get accurate forecasts for weeks at a time if your going to be out of cellular range.

Nice Infos. But I am from Germany. And here we don’t get the Satellite feature from Apple 🎉

Digitaltrends has an article titled One iPhone 14 feature just saved three people’s lives it's an interesting read.

Is he...holding an iphone made of paper??

I'll still keep my inreach even if I get an iPhone 14 for all the reasons you mentioned

I can see my having broken my arms trying to hold the iPhone in position for the satellite....

Seems obvious that the correct answer is both. Since most carry a smartphone to have full use of Garmin Inreach.

I agree this first gen satellite SOS feature on the iPhone 14 should be a replacement for a dedicated PLB which usually has many more features and is more reliable. As to Globalstar, I would expect Apple to eventually take over control of this company and invest in more than the 240 - 250 sats circling now. Something this important (SOS) Apple will not feel comfortable outsourcing the communications to a small third party. We all know Apple is about full control of its own ecosystem.