modz
Contributor
Apple has just revealed the extension of its Emergency SOS via satellite service, offering an extra complimentary year for current iPhone 14 users. Initially, new iPhone 14 owners were granted two free years from device activation, set to conclude in November 2024.
Apple has just announced a two-year extension of the Emergency SOS via Satellite service, beginning either today or upon activation of any iPhone 14 model. This complimentary trial extension applies to iPhone 14 users who activated their devices in countries supporting Emergency SOS via satellite before 12 a.m. Pacific Time on November 15, 2023.
"Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From a man who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn't have been able to," said Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. "We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free."
The feature, available on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models, allows users to send text messages to emergency services via satellite in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Users can share their location through the Find My app.
With this service, Apple claims messages can be sent and received in as little as 15 seconds under clear conditions. Users complete a brief questionnaire, and the interface guides them to point their iPhone to connect and send the initial message, including vital information like location, altitude, battery level, and Medical ID info if set.
Apple advises that the service is designed for outdoor use with an unobstructed view of the sky, cautioning that obstacles like foliage may cause delays or failures in sending emergency messages.
Additionally, satellite connectivity might not function above 62° latitude in areas such as northern Canada and Alaska.
