The day-old question of what to do in case of emergency without WiFi coverage or cellular data isn’t a mystery anymore. Apple has answered this concern by introducing an emergency satellite service for its iPhone 14 users. This ground-breaking technology is a blend of the latest technology and new infrastructure.
If you’re wondering how iPhone 14’s emergency SOS works, look no further. Here is all that you need to know about the service.Â
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How does Apple’s Emergency SOS work?
Apple uses satellite services to allow users to make an emergency text during difficult times. It’s in the case one can’t get in the range of Wifi or cellular coverage. However, you may have to wait for some time before sending your message. That’s because satellite connection isn’t the same as cellular.
Ideally, your message takes around 15 seconds or slightly more to reach the emergency services. But more the obstructions nearby, the longer it takes. So, stand away from foliage or other obstacles. Additionally, the longer the message, the more time it will take.
Hence, be mindful of the following factors:
- Surroundings
- Message length
- Availability and status of the satellite network
How to Connect a Satellite?
Here are a couple of tips in case you need to connect your iPhone to a satellite:
- Stand in clear skies
- No need to go to a high altitude for connection
- Stay away from any obstructions that can cause signal loss
- Change positions to avoid signal blockage (depending on onscreen instructions)
- The connection will be maintained even with a locked screen
How to Text Emergency Service via Satellite?
The first step is to try calling any rescue services directly, with or without a regular cellular network. If that doesn’t work for you, text the emergency services via satellite. Here is how you can do it:
- Tap emergency text via satellite.
- Type in the message and report an emergency.
- You need to simply tap and describe the situation.
- It shares your location and nature of the emergency with everyone listed as emergency contacts.
- Connect with the satellite by following instructions.
- Stay connected to the satellite while you send your message.
Once you have the emergency service online, you can share information. Remember to tell them about your remaining battery life and location. They may also ask a series of questions from a standard questionnaire.
Where is iPhone 14’s SOS Emergency Feature Available?
You can double-check from the list below whether it’s available in your area or not:
- iPhone 14 purchased from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao won’t have the SOS feature.
- Anyone can access the SOS feature in the US (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada.
- Not available in Guam or American Samoa.
- It might not work in areas above 62° latitude (northern parts of Canada and Alaska).
Is Emergency SOS via Satellite the Future?
Apple users have high hopes for this emergency SOS satellite service. But it’s just a new feature that’ll launch in the iOS software update in November 2022. However, users with iPhone 14 will only be able to use this emergency feature.
The encrypted message will be passed to emergency Apple responders, who decode and relay the information to service centers. We’d have to wait and watch whether this satellite service is helpful or not.