Apple’s new SOS Emergency satellite connectivity feature is now available to users in the United States and Canada. They also mentioned that they want to expand the service to certain European nations starting next month.
For the next two years, all iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro owners will have free access to the Emergency SOS function. If they have an emergency, the SOS will allow them to connect to satellites circling the Earth and transmit text messages to emergency services; all they need is a clear view of the sky.
On an article Apple stated that:
“Additionally, if users want to reassure friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid, they can now open the Find My app and share their location via satellite,”
If there is no cellular or Wi-Fi signal when dialing 911, the Feature will show automatically. It will display a pop-up notification that says “Emergency Text by Satellite.” Tapping it will launch a questionnaire designed to answer critical questions such as the nature of the emergency and whether anyone is injured.
“Following the questionnaire, the intuitive interface guides the user where to point their iPhone to connect (to the orbiting satellite) and sends the initial message,” Apple says. “This message includes the user’s questionnaire responses; location, including altitude; iPhone battery level; and Medical ID, if enabled.”
If the sky is clear, it is expected to send and receive messages via satellite in as little as 15 seconds. Next month, Apple plans to expand support for the Emergency SOS function to France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
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