Assuming reasonable affordability, when this becomes broadly available - would definitely use this as primary texting service in the backcountry but still bring Garmin Inreach Mini as back-up / emergency nav. The UI/UX for texting via Garmin's messenger app on iphone is very good...syncs contacts, etc. Limited to text vs. multimedia (assuming pictures would not be available until '25 via Starlink as part of 'data' launch?). As with all satellite services, connectivity comes/goes with Garmin - would expect the same for Starlink.
A real gamechanger for emergency/SAR situations would be if one could enable the Starlink service from an iPhone _while_ in the backcountry vs. needing to set it up a priori...many people realize they wish they had an InReach once bad things occur. Don't imagine that is possible today.
A real gamechanger for emergency/SAR situations would be if one could enable the Starlink service from an iPhone _while_ in the backcountry vs. needing to set it up a priori...many people realize they wish they had an InReach once bad things occur. Don't imagine that is possible today.