Apple Satellite SOS Service Goes Live: Now available on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, the Emergency SOS feature uses satellite communication to alert authorities of an imminent threat. Apple satellite SOS service goes live for iPhone users.
This technology, developed in collaboration with Globalstar, utilises satellite connectivity to allow users to contact local emergency dispatch centres even when no cellular or Wi-Fi service is available. In an emergency, your iPhone 14 will send a signal to one of the 24 Globalstar satellites in low Earth orbit. Apple satellite SOS service goes live for iPhone users.
Apple Satellite SOS Service Goes Live
If the local dispatch centre is unable to receive 911 text messages, the satellite will transfer the information to one of its ground stations, which will then route the call to a local dispatch centre or relay centre. To speak with dispatchers and transfer information back and forth, these relay centres use a combination of third-party and Apple-employed specialists trained in the emergency protocol.
It’s a bit of a catch-22 to try this out. Apple really doesn’t want you to try it out unless it’s really necessary, and it hopes you’ll never be in a situation where you have to use it. Did you realise that making a prank call to 911, which is effectively what you would be doing, is a criminal offence? (Apple would probably prefer if you didn’t.)
However, you should practise sending an Emergency SOS message by satellite when you’re not in a dire situation. The last thing you want to do when your life is on the line is fumble through menus looking for a setting that might be useful. Therefore, Apple has made a demo mode available so that people can try it out in a less-pressing setting.
Mashable was given access to a private demo of the feature, and we’ll explain how it functions. Below is every detail on Apple satellite SOS service going live for iPhone users.
How To Activate Emergency SOS Via Satellite
If you’re trying to get in touch with 911 but you don’t have cell service or Wi-Fi, this option will be available whether you utilise Siri or Crash Detection. Apple Watch’s Fall Detection can potentially trigger a call to emergency services through an iPhone if that’s how you’ve got things set up.
When the SOS indicator displays in the upper right corner of the screen, signalling the absence of cellular/Wi-Fi access but the presence of satellite service, the emergency SOS via satellite feature is ready to activate. The functionality relies on both hardware and software to function, which is why it’s exclusive to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Apple satellite SOS service goes live for iPhone 14 users.
Simply calling 911 will activate the feature. A green circular indicator with the words “Emergency text via Satellite” will appear in the lower right corner of the screen if the call cannot be completed due to a lack of connection. Activate the function by tapping on the icon. There will be some delay because the feature is communicating with a satellite. According to Apple, the average time for sending a text is 15 seconds, but it can take up to a minute if you’re sending the message through a thick forest of trees.
Texting With Emergency Services Via Satellite
Apple satellite SOS service goes live for iPhone 14 and pro users. Once the relay centre received my request and all the relevant details, including my medical information and location, a fresh discussion was initiated. Keep pointing your iPhone in the same direction to maintain your connection, as indicated by the status bar at the top of your screen. Around 30 seconds later, the relay centre texted me, asking where I was and if I had any medication on me (because the Medical ID had been filled out to say I took medication).
According to MacRumors, Apple has announced that the iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite service officially started rolling out in the U.S. and Canada. As a reminder, it allows users to “connect with emergency services when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage are not available”. pic.twitter.com/CUYJbFiJAf
— Apple Cycle (@theapplecycle) November 16, 2022
In response to my answering these questions, I received a text informing me that the appropriate authorities in my area had been alerted. Right now you have to sit tight and hold out hope that help will soon arrive. It’s up to you whether or not you want to maintain contact with the relay station. Apple satellite SOS service goes live for iPhone 14 and 14 pro users.
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