In addition to accident detection, the new emergency services of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro also include satellite communication. At the start of the new iPhone generation, Apple announced the “Emergency SOS via satellite” function for the USA and Canada, and from today it is available in both regions.
SOS emergency call for travelers too
With the release of the new function, owners of an iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro can now also connect to the emergency call if there is neither cell phone coverage nor WLAN reception. Satellite SOS is not limited to iPhone 14 purchased in the US and Canada, but can also be used by international travelers as long as they are in those areas. For example, anyone who is currently on vacation in the USA and owns an iPhone 14 purchased in Germany can also use the function immediately if they are in need. A support page from Apple also states that the feature also works in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands – both outer territories of the United States. However, the feature is not offered in Guam and American Samoa.
Emergency call via text message
Users are connected directly to emergency operators who are equipped to receive text messages, or to Apple operator operators, which then contact emergency operators who cannot receive text messages on the user's behalf. The emergency feature can only be used if no connections via the mobile network or WLAN are possible. Apple recommends trying to reach emergency services via 911 first, which might work even if you don't see a cellular signal. If this attempt fails, the iPhone automatically suggests contact via satellite.
Apple Emergency SOS on the iPhone 14 (Image: Apple)
The user then has to click through a few short questions on the iPhone so that the emergency call center can get the most important information in the first message. After answering the questions, the interface will show where to point the iPhone to connect and send the first message. This message contains the answers to the questions, the location including the elevation, the iPhone battery status and the emergency pass if it is activated. The transcript can also be forwarded to the user's emergency contacts to keep them updated.
Apple Emergency SOS on iPhone 14 (Image: Apple)
Not for iPhones from China, Hong Kong and Macao
There are still regional restrictions on the devices. Emergency SOS via Satellite is not offered on iPhones purchased in China, Hong Kong or Macau. This also applies if you are with these devices in areas where Apple actually offers the function. The emergency service may also not be available above 62° latitude, for example in the northern regions of Canada or parts of Alaska.
Location by satellite also in “Wo ist?”
In addition, users who are friends or family about their whereabouts while they are out of the network, now also open the “Where is?” app and share their location via satellite.
Notruf SOS in December also in Germany
The service, which is available with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max can also be used in Germany, France, Great Britain and Ireland, according to Apple.
Apple states that the service will be available once a new iPhone 14 or availability of the service is free for two years. It is not yet known which and whether there will be any fees.