With videos of possible scenarios, Apple demonstrated the SOS emergency call via satellite several times at the September keynote, before the disillusionment finally came: the feature will only be available in the USA and Canada from November. Apple left many questions unanswered. So the pricing is so far unclear. According to Apple, the function should be free for two years after activation. What is after that was not said. The situation is similar with the expansion of the service in other countries. Usually, Apple states that “other regions will follow later”. The company did not do this, but rumors have already surfaced that Apple is pursuing this plan.
iPhone 14: Is Apple Unlocking the Satellite Feature in More Regions?
Like the site MacPrime currently reported, Apple plans to bring the service to more countries this year, while more regions are to follow in the coming year. However, the site did not go into detail, so it is unclear which countries or regions will receive the SOS emergency call via satellite in the future. Following Apple’s phased launches so far, Australia and the UK could be among the next areas. In principle, Europe could also receive the new service soon.
How does the emergency call SOS via satellite work?
It’s not a traditional satellite connection to talk to someone on the phone. According to Apple, the reception is too weak for this. A longer antenna would be necessary. Therefore, Apple limits the function to messages to emergency services. If you ever have problems or an accident in an area without WiFi or cell phone reception, you can activate it. To do this, your iPhone will ask you to point it at a satellite. The device shows you the direction. You then answer questions about your situation before your iPhone transmits the answers, including GPS coordinates, your medical data and your battery level, to a dispatcher. According to Apple, data transmission takes up to 15 seconds even under optimal conditions. If the environmental conditions are harsher, it can even take minutes before the emergency call can be made.
By the way, you can also keep your family up to date on your current adventure (location only) by using the “Where is?” app and sharing your location there via satellite.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) – Silver
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