Satellite-based Emergency SOS now accessible on the iPhone 14 series in the United States and Canada as of today
In a groundbreaking move, Apple has launched its Emergency SOS via Satellite service on the iPhone 14 lineup, offering a lifeline for users in critical situations. This new feature is available in the US and Canada as of today, with plans to expand to France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK in December.
The service allows users to connect directly to emergency services, even in remote areas with no cellular coverage. It works seamlessly with other safety features available on iPhone and Apple Watch, including Crash Detection and Fall Detection.
Every model in the iPhone 14 lineup can connect directly to a satellite. To use the service, users simply need to point their iPhone towards the sky and follow the intuitive interface to establish a connection. The initial message sent includes the user's questionnaire responses, location, altitude, iPhone battery level, and Medical ID (if enabled).
In emergency situations, users will be connected directly to emergency services that are equipped to receive text messages, or to relay centers staffed by Apple-trained specialists who can contact Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) on the user's behalf. These specialists are trained through specialized programs to handle emergency communications.
The service also enables the transcript of the conversation with emergency services to be shared with the user's emergency contacts, keeping them informed. Up to 10 emergency contacts using iOS 16.1 and iMessage will see the user's location, type of emergency, and a live transcript of their conversation with emergency services. Emergency contacts who are not on iPhone, and iPhone users who aren't using iOS 16.1 or iMessage, will see the user's location and type of emergency. The user can opt to stop sharing their information with an emergency contact at any time.
Apple worked closely with experts to review standard questions and protocols to identify the most common reasons for calling emergency services. The questionnaire and follow-up messages are relayed directly via satellite to dispatchers that accept text messages, or to relay centers staffed by Apple-trained specialists who can call for help on the user's behalf.
Users who purchased an iPhone 14 model before the availability date of Emergency SOS via satellite will receive two years of the service free starting from the service availability date. The service is included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions, and other factors. Users are advised to check support.our website/kb/HT213426 for more information.
Mark Ghilarducci, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services' director, stated that providing Emergency SOS via satellite is an important breakthrough that will save lives.
This new service builds on existing features like Emergency SOS, Medical ID, emergency contacts, and Find My location sharing, further enhancing the safety and security of iPhone users.
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