The Apple iPhone 14 feature, Emergency SOS via satellite will be available to users in the UK, France, Germany and Ireland, the US, and Canada from 2022 and will reach more countries in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know about new life-saving feature.
Do I need an iPhone 14 to use Emergency SOS via satellite?
Yes, the feature is only for iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It doesn’t work on any other device, including the latest iPad Pros or Apple Watch Ultra.
Do I need the latest version of iOS?
Apple only says you need to be on iOS 16.1, which was released on Monday, October 25. You can update to iOS 16.1 in the Settings app by going to general and Software Updates.
Additional features will come with iOS 16.2 when it becomes available. In iOS 16.2 and later, users who dial a local emergency service number will automatically be redirected to 112, the European emergency phone number. Then, if the call doesn’t go through because of the cellular or Wi-Fi connection they can use Emergency SOS via satellite, even if they don’t dial 112.
You also don’t need to turn anything on – and you can’t turn it off either. The service starts automatically when you try to contact 911, 999, or 112 and cellular service is unavailable.
Is Emergency SOS available via satellite worldwide?
Emergency SOS via satellite is available in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK. Apple announced that it will arrive in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal in March 2023.
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Where can I find Emergency SOS via Satellite on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Emergency SOS and scroll down to the bottom. You should see the new Emergency SOS by satellite section. If not, check if your phone has been updated to iOS 16.1.
Can I test Emergency SOS via Satellite on my iPhone?
Yes, you can try the service before you need it by tapping on Try the Demo Settings option. When you do this your iPhone will go through the same steps as during an emergency to show how it can find and track a satellite, but will not send an emergency alert.
Is there a fee to use it?
Not to begin with. Apple provides two years of service to anyone who buys an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro from the time of activation.
What happens after two years?
Not clear. There may be a fee, but we don’t know what it will be or who you will pay it to.
How does Emergency SOS via satellite work?
- If a 911, 999, or 112 call fails, an “Emergency Text via Satellite SOS” icon will appear in the lower right corner of your iPhone screen. Tap It.
- You will be prompted to explain your emergency through a series of five multiple-choice questions.
- Then, you’ll see a screen with a satellite animation instructing you to point your iPhone in the direction of the nearest satellite to send and receive a message.
Emergency SOS by satellite uses simple questions to send an appropriate response to your location.
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What if I go out of satellite range?
Your iPhone will buzz to alert you to move it to a new position.
How long does it take to send the message?
It varies. Apple says, “Satellites move fast, have little bandwidth, and are located thousands of miles away from Earth, so it can take minutes to reach even short messages.” In The Verge’s hands-on feature, the entire process took between three and five minutes.
Can I speak to someone during an emergency?
No, Emergency SOS via satellite is text-only.