November 15, 2022, 4:16 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The iPhone 14 is one of the first smartphones capable of communicating with satellites. TECHBOOK explains what this means and how it works.
Apple announced the new Emergency SOS feature via satellite during the unveiling of the iPhone 14. This feature is designed to help users make emergency calls when outside network coverage. Previously, special satellite communication devices were required for this.
Overview
How does Emergency SOS work on the iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 not only features a modified modem from U.S. manufacturer Qualcomm, but Apple has also secured an exclusive deal with satellite operator Globalstar. This agreement allows the company to use 85 percent of the satellite capacity for Emergency SOS on the iPhone 14, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This enables the iPhone to establish a stable connection despite the short contact periods with individual satellites.
Due to the low bandwidth in satellite communication, even text messages take a long time to transmit. Therefore, the iPhone must be pointed directly at a satellite. Apple facilitates this with precise on-screen instructions on how to hold the iPhone. Nevertheless, the transmission takes at least 15 seconds.
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Sending Emergency SOS with the iPhone 14
On its support page, Apple details how to send an Emergency SOS with the iPhone 14. Certain conditions should be met. Users should hold the iPhone as usual–extending the arm makes no difference. Additionally, it’s important to be outdoors in an open area, as large buildings and trees can block the signal.
The following steps are necessary to send an Emergency SOS:
- First, try to make an emergency call by phone
- If that doesn’t work, you can select the Emergency Text via Satellite option in the phone app
- Click on Report Emergency
- Answer the questions on the display by simply clicking
- You can then choose to notify your emergency contacts and share your location
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect with a satellite
- Once connected, follow the instructions to stay connected and send your emergency message to rescue services–the message includes information such as emergency pass, location, and remaining battery charge
- Rescue services may ask for additional information in text form, which you can also respond to in text form
In the event of an accident or fall, the iPhone 14 can also automatically send an Emergency SOS via satellite. Additionally, users can share their location via satellite at any time using the “Find My” app, independent of the Emergency SOS feature.
Service also coming to Germany
Apple has already launched Emergency SOS via satellite in the U.S. and Canada. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are expected to follow in December, according to the company. All iPhone 14 models with iOS 16.1 or later are supported.
From the time a new iPhone 14 is activated and the service becomes available in the respective country, the Emergency SOS feature via satellite is free for two years. Apple has not yet commented on future costs.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone 14 (accessed November 16, 2022)
- Apple Newsroom: Emergency SOS via satellite available today on iPhone 14 in the U.S. and Canada (accessed November 16, 2022)