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In a significant development, Apple has announced that it will be extending the availability of its Emergency SOS via satellite feature for an additional year at no extra cost for existing iPhone 14 users. The innovative service, which was introduced a year ago and is now available in 16 countries and regions on the iPhone 15 lineup as well, allows users to text with emergency services even when they are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
The announcement comes after multiple instances where the Emergency SOS via satellite has proven critical in saving lives. “From a man 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.
In addition to the Emergency SOS feature, Apple has also recently introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite. This service enables users to connect with AAA if they encounter car trouble while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Other safety capabilities include the Find My app, Crash Detection, Check In feature, and the Medical ID in the Health app.
The extension of the free trial applies to iPhone 14 users who activated their device in a country that supports Emergency SOS via satellite before 12 a.m. PT on November 15, 2023. Roadside Assistance via satellite is available in the U.S., in partnership with AAA, and is included for free for two years from the time of activation of a new iPhone model. This satellite service requires iOS 17.
The move to extend the free access to the Emergency SOS via satellite service underscores Apple’s commitment to user safety and is set to further enhance the iPhone’s appeal as a device that goes beyond communication and entertainment.
