IMPORTANT POINTS
● Apple issued an emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone 14 users on Tuesday.
● The service is free for two years with the latest iPhone model and lets you text emergency services when you don't have cell service.
● Apple will spend $450 million on US companies, including Globalstar, to enable emergency satellite SMS.
Apple tries to provide some level of security for iPhone users, even if they are in a location without cellular service.
On Tuesday, the company launched Emergency SOS via satellite, which allows users to text emergency services when they're offline, whether they're camping in the mountains or driving in a remote area at night. The service is available to iPhone 14 customers and is free for the first two years.
Apple announced the emergency feature in September when it introduced the iPhone 14 line. To enable the service, Apple said last week it would spend $450 million on US companies, with most of the money going to Globalstar, a satellite operator based in Louisiana.
It works for all iPhone 14 users. They do this by pointing their phone to the sky and connecting to one of the 24 Globalstar satellites in low Earth orbit.
Apple doesn't want users to test the service for non-emergencies. The company gave me a demo last week so I could explain how to use it.
Use SOS Satellite Emergency Call on iPhone 14
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| Emergency Text via Satellite |
This is how it works:
1. In an emergency, try calling 911. If you don't have cellular service, your phone will try to connect to another carrier's cell tower. If that doesn't work, an option "Emergency SMS via Satellite" will appear.
2. You can also go to iMessage to send 911 or SOS and then tap Emergency Services.
3. You'll see an option to tap to report an emergency.
4. Emergency questions are displayed to help you better describe your situation. The first prompt is "What is the emergency?" You can then choose from options such as "Car or Vehicle Problem" or "Illness or Injury." You will then be guided through a series of in-depth questions.
5. You have the option to notify your emergency contacts to let them know that you have contacted emergency services, along with your location and the nature of your emergency. You can likewise utilize the Find My application to impart your area to loved ones through satellite.
6. To connect to a satellite, your phone will ask you to point it at the sky. As long as you have a clear view you should be able to connect to a satellite, but it can take up to 15 seconds for your messages to be transmitted. If you do not have a clear view of the sky due to trees or other obstructions, it may take up to a minute for the lyrics to be read. And with satellites orbiting the earth quickly, you'll need to move your phone around a bit to stay connected while you're on the call.
7. Once you connect to the emergency services via satellite, they will immediately know your location and the nature of your emergency, but you will be asked a few more questions so that the emergency services can find you and prepare.
8. If you have your Medical ID, which is sent through the device Once your iPhone's health settings are configured, emergency services can see important personal information, such as For example, what medication you are taking and the names of your emergency contacts.
To try out Emergency SOS via satellite, Apple offers a demo option.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Emergency SOS.
- Tap Try Demo. You will then go through the same instructions you would receive in a real emergency. You can also turn off your cell service and connect to a satellite to figure it out. You will get haptic feedback if you are not pointing in the right direction.
Currently, Emergency SOS via Satellite is only available in the United States and Canada.
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