Some of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 14 are inconspicuous tools and services that could come in handy when in more remote regions without cellular service. Emergency SOS via Satellite, which Apple announced in September, is one such feature — and I had the chance to try it out.
Like Car Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite is something you hope you won’t ever have to make use of. If you want to try the service out for yourself, Apple added in a built-in demo mode that lets you connect to a satellite without calling 911.
How to use Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14
The first thing you need to know about Emergency SOS via Satellite is that you don’t need to know anything. The service is designed to work on its own, and the interface will walk you through the process step by step.
The second thing you should know is that using Emergency SOS is equivalent to calling 911. In fact, that’s actually how you use it. Dial 911, and if your phone can’t connect, an option to text emergency services via satellite appears. To get started, tap the Emergency Text via Satellite button. (You can also go to Messages to text 911 or SOS, and then tap Emergency Services.)
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
Can I try out Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Yes, kind of. Apple created a demo mode that lets your iPhone connect to a satellite without calling or contacting 911. The experience is nearly identical to what I did, except you are not contacting emergency services.
To start the demo, go outside and open Settings. Then, tap Emergency SOS and scroll to the bottom to try the demo.
The Emergency SOS via Satellite demo turns off your cellular connection and gives you a preview of the emergency questionnaire. But again, it’s not actually contacting emergency services.
A neat way to share your location when you’re out of range of a cell signal is with a satellite in the Find My app.
Where can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Currently it’s available in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and Canada. The service will expand to France, Germany, Ireland and the UK next month. But you don’t need to live in these places to use this feature. Emergency SOS service is also available for people visiting the US and Canada, unless they bought their iPhone 14 in China, Hong Kong or Macao.
Can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite indoors?
No. You need to be outside and have a direct line of sight between your iPhone and the satellite. The service doesn’t work indoors, and tall buildings, mountains, dense foliage and other objects can block satellite connectivity. The Emergency SOS interface guides you to help you find and connect to a satellite.
How much does Emergency SOS via Satellite cost?
The service is free for two years. Beyond that, Apple hasn’t shared how much it will cost or if there will actually ever be a charge to access the feature.
Does the iPhone 14 have satellite connectivity?
Yes. All iPhone 14 models support Emergency SOS via Satellite.
A Globalstar employee works on a ground station that receives messages from satellites to share with emergency dispatchers.
What satellites are used for Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Apple worked in partnership with satellite telecommunications company Globalstar, which is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with facilities across the US. The feature uses Globalstar’s network of low-orbit satellites.
Apple made a $450 million investment to provide critical enhancements to Globalstar’s satellite network and ground stations. At Globalstar, more than 300 employees support the new service.
Can an iPhone be used as a satellite phone?
Yes and no. The iPhone 14 series can connect to satellites to send a text message to emergency services when a call can’t be placed. You can also share your location via satellite in the Find My app. However, you can’t use any iPhone to make calls like a dedicated satellite phone.
Can the iPhone 13 be used as a satellite phone?
No, only the iPhone 14 series supports satellite connectivity for emergencies.
Which iPhone is a satellite phone?
None are technically satellite phones, but the iPhone 14 series does support contacting emergency services via satellites through text messages as a last resort.
For more, here’s your complete guide to the iPhone 14 and everything to know about iOS 16.
iPhone 14 Pro, Pro Max Get the Biggest Changes to Apple’s Phone Lineup
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Article source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-use-your-iphone-14s-emergency-sos-via-satellite-to-contact-911/#ftag=CAD4aa2096