Apple iPhone 14 feature, Emergency SOS via satellite, is now available to users in the U.K., France, Germany and Ireland, as well as to users in the U.S. and Canada. Here’s everything you need to know.
Do I need an iPhone 14 to use Emergency SOS via satellite?
Yes, the feature is only for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It is not available on any other device, including the newest iPad Pros or Apple Watch Ultra.
Do I need to do anything to get it to work?
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 Update.
Additional features will arrive with IOS 16.2 when that becomes available. In iOS 16.2 and later, users who dial a local emergency service number will automatically be routed to 112, the European emergency phone number. Then, if the call does not go through due to a cellular or Wi-Fi connection they will be able to use the Emergency SOS via satellite, even if they don’t dial 112.
Nor do you need to turn anything on – and you can’t turn it off either. The service automatically kicks in when you try to contact 911, 999, or 112 and cellular service isn’t available.
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 a new Emergency SOS via satellite section. If not, check if your phone has updated to iOS 16.1.
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Can I try out Emergency SOS via Satellite on my iPhone?
You can actually try out the services by tapping on the Try Demo. When you do this your iPhone will demonstrate how it can find and track a satellite.
Is there a fee to use it?
Not at the start. Apple is providing two years of service to anyone who buys an iPhone 14-series phone from the time of activation.
What happens after two years?
It’s unclear. There will presumably be a charge, but we don’t know what it will be or who you will pay.
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-hand corner of your iPhone’s screen. Tap It.
- You’ll be prompted to explain your emergency via a series of five multiple-choice questions.
- Then, you’ll see a screen with a satellite animation that directs you to point your iPhone in the direction of the nearest satellite to send and receive a message.
Emergency SOS via satellite uses simple questions to send the appropriate response to your location.
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What if I move out of range of the satellite?
Your iPhone will buzz to alert you to move it to a new position.
How long does the message take to send?
It varies. Apple says, “Satellites move rapidly, have low bandwidth, and are located thousands of miles away from Earth, so it can take a few minutes for even short messages to get through.” In The Verge’s hands-on with the feature, the whole process took between three and five minutes.
Do I talk to anyone?
No, Emergency SOS via satellite is text-only.
Is Emergency SOS via satellite coming to other countries?
The feature is currently available in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the U.K.
Apple says support for more countries will follow in 2023.
