The iPhone 14 and 15 let you send SOS messages using satellites, even if you don’t have cell service. Learn how it works.
Apple’s products, like the Apple Watch and iPhone, come with essential health and safety features that could be lifesaving. The Apple Watch, in particular, has been credited with saving lives by detecting health issues and alerting users. However, it’s not only the Apple Watch that can be a hero in critical situations. One of the most important features on the iPhone is the Emergency SOS via satellite. This feature was introduced with the iPhone 14 and is also present in the latest iPhone 15. Let’s delve into the details of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone 15 and understand how it can potentially save lives.
What is Emergency SOS via Satellite?
The Emergency SOS via satellite feature is a cool thing on your iPhone. It lets you send SOS messages using satellites, even if you’re in a place with no cell service. Your iPhone uses its fancy software and antenna to connect directly to a satellite. This helps you message emergency services when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Not only can you contact emergency services, but you can also share your Medical ID and tell your emergency contacts what’s going on.
At first, this feature was only in the US and Canada, but now it’s also in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. But here’s the catch – it only works on the iPhone 14 and newer models.
But wait, it’s not all free. Apple says you get the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for free for the first two years after you start using your iPhone.
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How to Use Emergency SOS via Satellite
1. When using Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, first, find a spot where you can see the sky clearly. It won’t work well if there are lots of trees or stuff around.
2. If you need help, try calling 911 or your local emergency number. If that doesn’t work, a choice to send an Emergency Text via Satellite will pop up. Just tap on it.
3. Another way is to open the Messages app, type 911 or SOS, and send a message to Emergency Services.
After that, tap Report Emergency and do what it says on the screen.
Apple explains that once you’re connected, your iPhone gets chatting through texts. It shares important details like your emergency contacts and your Medical ID. Also, it tells them where you are (even how high up you are), and how much battery your iPhone has left. This way, they can find you quickly and help you out.
Past instances
The Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone has been a real hero, saving lives recently. Let me tell you about two incidents:
In December of last year, this feature saved a guy stuck in Alaska. He was in a tight spot, but thanks to the Emergency SOS via Satellite on his iPhone, help came his way.
Then, in January, two ladies got into a tricky situation. Google Maps sent them on the wrong route, and they ended up stuck in a snowy mess with no cell service. Lucky for them, they had an iPhone 14 with the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. They contacted Apple Help Center, who then called in the emergency services using their GPS location. This feature literally saved the day!
