Not much is better than the feeling of being completely immersed in nature: no roads, no cars, no noise. However, no one who could quickly rescue you in an emergency. In order to always have a feeling of security when making discoveries far away from civilization, Apple has worked on an innovation. This is one of the new functions of the iPhone 14 series, which will only be launched in November with a slight delay. IMTEST reveals what’s behind it.
The new models of the iPhone 14 from Apple in the test.
Who so far from the SOS function The ones that benefited from iPhones had some level of security, but needed cellular or WiFi connectivity. So far it has been said: no reception, no emergency call. Apple would like to be the first manufacturer in the world to close this gap by being able to communicate via a satellite network. This can be done either manually or even automatically. Because if the iPhone detects a fall, an emergency call is made to the nearest help center with the help of other functions.
Update from November 16, 2022: Satellite SOS also in Germany
The new rescue function is also coming to Germany. In December it should be so far. Then Apple wants to bring the service to Germany, France, Great Britain and Ireland. It should work on devices running iOS 16.1. After two years, the emergency SOS via satellite will then be chargeable. Apple has not yet announced who its satellite network partners are in Europe.
In addition, Apple had stated that the feature produces the best results in good weather. According to Apple, the emergency call transmission can then take 15 seconds. If the sky is cloudy, this can extend to several minutes.
This is how it works: First, the user has to answer a few short questions on the smartphone. Then the iPhone informs you in which direction you have to point the device so that a connection is established. Then it sends the first message with information about the location and the altitude at which the person is. In addition, the function transmits data on the battery status of the iPhone and an emergency pass, if available. The emergency call is then forwarded to dispatchers or switching centers via a satellite.
iPhone Feature: North America only
According to Apple, an investment of 450 million dollars was necessary to develop this function. In addition to the satellite infrastructure, which global star is operated, it was also necessary to set up a call center network. Employees in these call centers will in future accept emergency calls and then process them further. The feature will be available from November, but initially only in the US and Canada.
We are proud that this service is made possible by leading US companies and that our users can explore off-grid areas knowing they are still within reach of emergency services in the event of an emergency.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer
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Tag: iphone design, iphone 14, apple iphone, iphone release