Apple is offering one year of free Emergency SOS via satellite to iPhone 14 users who activate their device in eligible countries. The service allows users to contact emergency services without any cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
What is Emergency SOS via satellite?
Emergency SOS via satellite is a new feature on the iPhone 14 that allows users to contact emergency services without any cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature uses a satellite connection to send a text message to emergency responders with the user’s location and situation.
How it works
When an iPhone 14 user is in an emergency without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, they can activate Emergency SOS via satellite by pointing their device at a satellite and following the on-screen instructions. Once the device connects to a satellite, the user can send a text message to emergency responders with their location and situation.
What countries are eligible?
The following countries are eligible for Emergency SOS via satellite:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- United States
How long is the free trial?
iPhone 14 users who activate their device in an eligible country will be eligible for a free one-year trial of Emergency SOS via satellite. After the free trial ends, users will be able to continue using the service for a monthly fee. Apple has not yet announced the price of the monthly fee.
How to activate
To activate Emergency SOS via satellite on an iPhone 14, follow these steps:
- Hold down the side button and either volume button until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
- Swipe the Emergency SOS slider or press and hold the side button and either volume button for five seconds until the countdown begins.
- Aim your iPhone at the sky and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite.
- Once connected, send a text message to emergency responders with your location and situation.
What happens after the free year?
After the free year of Emergency SOS via satellite expires, iPhone 14 users will be able to continue using the service for a monthly fee. Apple has not yet announced the price of the monthly fee.
What is the range of the satellite connection?
The Emergency SOS via satellite service can connect to satellites that are up to 12,000 miles above the Earth. This means that the service can be used in a wide range of locations, including rural areas, mountains, and at sea.
Is Emergency SOS via satellite reliable?
Apple has tested Emergency SOS via satellite in a variety of real-world conditions and has found that the service is reliable. However, there is always a small chance that the service may not be able to connect to a satellite due to weather conditions or other factors.
Is it worth it?
Emergency SOS via satellite is a valuable safety feature that can be lifesaver. If you are an iPhone 14 user who lives in an eligible country, I recommend activating the service. Even if you never have to use it, it is worth having just in case.