Apple has announced that it’s extending free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 users. This means that users will continue to have access to this life-saving feature for a total of three years since the iPhone 14’s launch in 2022.
Emergency SOS via satellite is a safety feature that allows iPhone users to contact emergency services even when they are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This can be a critical tool for people who are hiking, camping, or traveling in remote areas.
The feature has already been used in critical emergency situations, and Apple is committed to making it available to as many people as possible. That’s why the company is extending the free trial period for existing iPhone 14 users. Following Apple’s announcement, Emergency SOS via satellite free availability is now extended until 2025 for users who activate a new iPhone 14 device before 12 a.m. PT on November 15, 2023.
Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From aman 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. We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free.
Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.
How to use Emergency SOS via satellite
To use Emergency SOS via satellite, simply follow these steps:
- Go to the Emergency SOS screen on your iPhone.
- Point your iPhone directly at a satellite.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite.
- Once you are connected, you can text with emergency services.
Emergency SOS via satellite is currently available in 16 countries and regions including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland. Apple is working to expand the availability of Emergency SOS via satellite to more countries in the future.
What’s the difference between Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance via satellite?
Emergency SOS via satellite is designed to help people in emergency situations. It can be used to contact emergency services for help with a variety of situations, including car accidents, medical emergencies, and personal attacks.
Roadside Assistance via satellite is a separate feature that is available on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 lineup. It can be used to contact AAA for help with car troubles, such as a flat tire or a dead battery.
Roadside Assistance via satellite is included for free for two years, starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max. This feature is currently available in the United States only and requires iOS 17 or later.
