Apple has announced that the iPhone 14’s newest feature, emergency satellite calling, is now available to users in the US and Canada. Here’s everything you need to know.
Do I need an iPhone 14 to use Satellite Emergency Call?
Yes, the feature is only available for iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s not available on any other device, including the latest iPads Pro or the Apple Watch Ultra.
Do I need to download anything to make it work?
Apple is just pointing out that you need to update to iOS 16.1, which was released on Monday October 25th. You can update to iOS 16.1 in the Settings app under General and Software Update.
How do I know if it has arrived on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Emergency SOS and scroll all the way down. You should see a new section for Satellite Distress Calls. If not, check if your iPhone has been updated to iOS 16.1.
Do I need to turn something on?
No, and you can’t turn it off either. The service is activated automatically when you try to call 911 and there is no cellular network available.
Is there a fee to use the service?
Not at the beginning. Apple is making the service available to every iPhone 14 buyer for two years from the time of activation.
What happens after two years?
That is still unclear. There will probably be a fee, but it is not yet known how much it will be and who will have to pay it.
How does the SOS emergency call via satellite work?
- If an emergency call fails, the “Emergency Text via Satellite SOS” icon will appear in the lower right corner of the iPhone screen. Tap it.
- You will be asked to explain your emergency using five multiple choice questions.
- A satellite animation screen will then appear instructing you to point your iPhone in the direction of the nearest satellite to send and receive a message.
Apple
What happens if I move out of range of the satellite?
Your iPhone will buzz to alert you to move it to a new location.
How long does it take for the message to be sent?
That is different. Apple explains, “Satellites are fast-moving, have low bandwidth, and are thousands of miles from Earth, so even short messages can take a few minutes to arrive.” When The Verge tried the feature, it took entire process between three and five minutes.
Am I talking to someone?
No, Satellite Emergency Call is a text only service.
can i try it
Yes, after activation in Germany you can go to “Settings > Notruf SOS > Notruf SOS via satellite > Try demo” to test the function in full.
When will the satellite emergency call come to Germany?
According to Apple, the feature will be available in France, Germany, Ireland and the UK by December.
This article is originally from our sister publication “Macworld” and was translated from English.
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