Satellite-based Emergency SOS now accessible on the iPhone 14 series in United States and Canada as of today
In a groundbreaking development, Apple has introduced a new emergency service that allows users of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max to connect with emergency services when traditional cellular and Wi-Fi coverage are unavailable. Starting from the activation of these new iPhone models, the service will be included for free for a period of two years. This service extends to countries such as the US, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK, with the UK launch scheduled for December.
To ensure the service reaches the relay center or dispatcher closest to the user, location information from the user's my location will also be shared with Apple. In emergency situations, this feature enables emergency services to pinpoint the user's location more accurately.
The service builds on existing features like Emergency SOS, Medical ID, emergency contacts, and Find My location sharing. In the event of an emergency, 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.
For emergency contacts who are not on iPhone, or iPhone users who aren't using iOS 16.1 or iMessage, they will still be able to see the user's location and type of emergency. The user has the option to stop sharing their information with an emergency contact at any time.
The questionnaire and follow-up messages from Emergency SOS via satellite 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.
The service also extends to reassuring friends and family of a user's whereabouts while traveling off the grid through the Find My app. The transcript can also be shared with the user's emergency contacts to keep them informed.
It's important to note that connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions, and other factors. However, the service allows users to message with emergency services when traditional coverage is not available.
The satellite connection on the iPhone 14 lineup also works with other safety features available on iPhone and Apple Watch, including Crash Detection and Fall Detection. Access to a satellite connection with these features requires a connected iPhone 14 model running iOS 16.1.
Apple partnered with Globalstar at the end of November 2022 to enable satellite emergency communication on the iPhone 14 models in the mentioned countries. The service requires no additional software or protocols to enable communications.
The service is already available in the US and Canada starting November 15, 2022. 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.
This new service aims to provide peace of mind to users, especially those who frequently travel in remote areas, by ensuring they can reach emergency services when traditional methods of communication fail.
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