The iPhone 14 collection launched help for communication over satellite tv for pc connectivity, although the function is reserved for emergencies. Obtainable in choose markets, Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc enables you to connect with first responders even if you lack Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity entry. The function can save lives and has been put to good use quickly after Apple introduced it to market.
We noticed a number of stories detailing circumstances the place satellite tv for pc connectivity turned out to be the important thing function that helped individuals join with emergency responders. Like iPhone 14 house owners stranded within the wild or individuals making an attempt to flee a wildfire.
Apple made Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc free for 2 years with iPhone 14 purchases. The identical goes for the iPhone 15 fashions, by the best way. It seems that Apple is able to supply customers an additional free yr of help for satellite tv for pc communications. Whereas I hope I’ll by no means have to make use of the function, that’s nonetheless superb information.
The additional free yr of entry might be out there to any iPhone 14 person who activated their gadget earlier than 12:00 AM PT on November fifteenth.
Apple stated in a press launch that Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc is now out there in 16 international locations and areas. The iPhone maker provides that the tech has made a “important influence, contributing to many lives being saved.”
The press launch hyperlinks to the video under, which Apple aired throughout the iPhone occasion in September. Titled “One other Birthday,” the clip recaps among the cases the place the Apple Watch and/or iPhone helped save lives. This consists of the Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc function.
Moreover, Apple shared this remark from Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Advertising, Kaiann Drance, which mentions some cases the place individuals used Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc:
Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc has helped save lives all over the world. From a person who was rescued after his automotive plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to misplaced hikers discovered within the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we proceed to listen to tales of our clients having the ability to join with emergency responders once they in any other case wouldn’t have been capable of We’re so glad iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 customers can benefit from this groundbreaking service for 2 extra years without cost.
To make use of Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc, you want an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 operating iOS 16.1 or later. The service is out there in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Eire, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
Whether or not you reside in one in all these international locations otherwise you’re simply visiting, you’ll be able to entry Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc. There are, nevertheless, some restrictions for vacationers who purchased their iPhones in sure areas. This Apple help doc will present extra info.
Moreover, the brand new Roadside Help service, a part of the iOS 17 replace, lets US iPhone customers connect with AAA through satellite tv for pc in the event that they expertise automotive bother however don’t have entry to Wi-Fi or mobile connections.
It’s a good suggestion to strive the Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc demo out there within the iPhone’s setting app to see what utilizing the function will really feel like. Hopefully, you’ll by no means have to wish the function. However in case you do, you’d higher understand how the function works and what to anticipate from it. To begin, search for the Emergency SOS menu within the settings app after which scroll to seek out the satellite tv for pc demo.
That stated, it’s nonetheless unclear what iPhone customers should pay for Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc as soon as the free interval expires.
As for Android customers, Qualcomm lately terminated the contract with Iridium, the satellite tv for pc firm that will have supplied related providers on Android. It’s unclear what Android gadget distributors will wish to replicate Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc on their units. Or when it’s imagined to occur.
