Apple has recently announced that it will extend the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone 14 users in more countries and regions. This feature allows users to contact emergency services in areas without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, using a satellite connection.
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How Emergency SOS via Satellite Works
Emergency SOS via satellite is a feature that is available on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro models. It can help users connect with emergency services under exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching emergency services are available.
To use this feature, users need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon. They can either dial the local emergency number or press and hold the side button and either one of the volume buttons to access the Emergency SOS screen. From there, they can choose to text emergency services via satellite, request roadside assistance, or share their location with friends and family.
When using a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular. It might take longer to send or receive a message, depending on the availability and status of the satellite network, the length of the message, and the surroundings of the user.
Apple just extended its free Emergency SOS via satellite for another year for iPhone 14 users:
Wow, Apple just extended its free Emergency SOS via satellite for another year for iPhone 14 users. I can’t even imagine how many lives will be saved as a result of this decision. https://t.co/Z25G8e5Fjj
— AppleLeaker (@LeakerApple) November 15, 2023
Why Emergency SOS via Satellite is Important
Emergency SOS via satellite is a feature that can potentially save lives in situations where users are in danger and have no other way to communicate.
For example, if a user is involved in a car crash, a hard fall, or a natural disaster, and is unresponsive, their iPhone or Apple Watch can automatically send a notification to emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite, along with their location and medical information.
This feature can also be useful for users who travel to remote areas or engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, or skiing, where cellular and Wi-Fi coverage might be unreliable or nonexistent. By using Emergency SOS via satellite, they can stay connected and get help if needed.
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How to Access Emergency SOS via Satellite
Emergency SOS via satellite is included for free for two years with the activation of an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro. Users can access this feature by updating to the latest version of iOS and setting up their Medical ID and emergency contacts in the Health app.
Emergency SOS via satellite is currently available in the United States and Canada, and Apple plans to expand it to more countries and regions in the future. However, some countries and regions, such as China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, do not offer this feature.
Users can also try the Emergency SOS via satellite demo to learn how it works and practice connecting their iPhone to a satellite. To use the demo, users need to be in a country or region where Emergency SOS via satellite is available and be outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
Conclusion
Emergency SOS via satellite is a feature that can provide users with a lifeline when they are in distress and have no other way to reach emergency services. It is available on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro models, and can be accessed by dialling the local emergency number or pressing the side button and either one of the volume buttons.
Users can also request roadside assistance or share their location with friends and family using this feature. Apple is working to extend this feature to more countries and regions, and users can try the demo to learn more about it.
