One of the new options that arrived alongside the iPhone 14 handsets in September 2022 was a function that Apple calls “Emergency SOS via satellite”—and the identify tells you just about all it’s worthwhile to know.

Apple says it is supposed for “exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching the emergency services are available.” When you are in hassle and you may’t get a Wi-Fi sign or a lock on a cell tower, your iPhone 14 will make contact with a satellite tv for pc and ship out your plea for assist that method.

Be warned, although, this is not a backup web connection for private use. The satellite tv for pc connection is sluggish and restricted, and it is actually solely appropriate for transmitting key details about your scenario: the place you’re, what situation you are in, and what you need assistance with.

To use the Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc perform, you want an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or an iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple hasn’t mentioned long-term pricing but, but it surely has made the service free for 2 years once you purchase a suitable system.

How Emergency SOS through Satellite Works

Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc turns into obtainable solely once you’re in an space with none Wi-Fi or mobile protection—in any other case it is anticipated that you could get in contact with emergency providers or your trusted contacts within the regular method. Ideally, you want a transparent view of the sky and the horizon, as obstructions like foliage and mountains can sluggish and even block your satellite tv for pc connection.

Even in excellent circumstances with one of the best satellite tv for pc lock, messages can take 15 seconds to ship. That may appear primitive, however there’s a variety of spectacular expertise right here—not least the best way that Apple has fitted satellite tv for pc connectivity into one thing as svelte because the iPhone 14. (Check out the dimensions of an everyday satellite tv for pc telephone to see what we imply.)

As you’ll need in a worrying emergency scenario, your telephone will information you thru every little thing it’s worthwhile to do, and that features transferring the iPhone to remain locked to a satellite tv for pc. (This will be performed even when the handset itself is locked.) The function works together with the opposite security choices on the iPhone, so you’ll be able to ship emergency responders info from the Medical ID part of the Health app, for instance.