[S201]

Plus Garmin devices use the Iridium network which has truly global coverage (as opposed to Globalstar which is only in select areas of the world) as well as other features useful for non-emergency backcountry travel. I won't be dropping my Garmin InReach any time soon.

[DebtDeflation]

Correct. Globalstar is a "bent pipe analog repeater" network. They have ground gateway stations that provide connectivity from their satellites to the public switched telephone network and internet. In order for your handheld to work, you need a satellite in view and that satellite must have a ground gateway station in view. Iridium doesn't have that latter requirement. I won't be getting rid of my InReach Mini anytime soon.

[lxgr]

On the other hand, that "bent pipe" nature is what allowed Globalstar to support a (presumably) completely new type of protocol and modulation over existing, decades-old satellites!

Apple has also been adding new ground stations as part of their agreement with Globalstar, which has, among other things, added coverage to Hawaii. I'm pretty sure they have much larger plans for this than just emergency texting.

[not2b]

I do a lot of solo hiking and use a Garmin with InReach in case of emergency and to reassure my wife, it can also send my position every N minutes (I usually set it for 20 when on the trails in an area with limited or no cell phone coverage). I wouldn't mind if similar functionality becomes common on cell phones.

[switchbak]

I know someone on our local SAR team that had mentioned they were having issues with folks using the Apple devices for SOS that resulted in long delays. This is for coastal British Columbia, so perhaps not a universal experience - but something to keep in mind.

Personally, I'd stick with the better known option, and like another commenter said - the battery life on the Garmins are pretty amazing, and it doesn't weight much.

[delfinom]

And I rather depend on a PLB, whose signal can be picked up by an international network of receivers on 406MHz, and even transmits a homing beacon for first responders.

No subscription required either. You simply register the beacon with a government agency (in the US, its via the NOAA, and distress signals are handled by the coast guard or air force receivers)

[charles_f]

Plus the fact that the inReach has a mad battery life, and is a very simple and dependable device.