In a significant move, Apple has introduced the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for all iPhone 14 users in November 2022. This groundbreaking feature allows users to connect with emergency services when other forms of communication are not accessible. By utilizing satellite-based communication, compatible iPhone models strive to bridge the gap between users and vital assistance in situations where traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks may not be available. The Emergency SOS via satellite feature has already proven to be life-saving in several instances. Initially offered as a free trial for two years, Apple has now announced an extension of this service at no additional cost for iPhone 14 users.
Apple stands by its commitment to keeping users safe by extending the two-year free trial of the Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone 14 users. Commenting on the extension, Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, expressed delight in allowing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users to take advantage of this ground-breaking service for an additional two years, completely free of charge. It shows Apple’s dedication to prioritizing user safety and ensuring that they have access to potentially life-saving services.
Eligibility and Availability
For iPhone 14 users, the free trial extension applies to those who have activated their devices in a country that supports Emergency SOS via satellite before November 15, 2023, at 12 am PT (1:30 am IST). Currently, this feature is available in various countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. However, there is no information regarding when this feature will be introduced in India.
iPhone 14 Lineup and Additional Features
In September 2022, Apple launched the highly anticipated iPhone 14 lineup, comprising four models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Shortly after the release, Apple introduced the Emergency SOS via satellite feature in November of the same year, initially limited to the US and Canada. However, its availability gradually expanded to include more countries. Building on the satellite connectivity capability, eligible iPhone 14 users can also utilize the Find My app to communicate their location with friends and family via satellite when traveling in areas without cellular or wireless connectivity.
Besides the Emergency SOS via satellite feature, Apple also launched the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature in the US. This service enables car owners to connect with AAA roadside assistance in regions with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Just like the Emergency SOS feature, the Roadside Assistance feature is included for free for two years, starting from the activation of a new iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 series model. To access this feature, users must have iOS 17 installed on their devices.
Apple’s commitment to user safety extends to its latest generation of iPhones. The Emergency SOS via satellite service has also been extended to iPhone 15 users in 16 countries and regions. Recently, Apple expanded the availability of this feature to include Spain and Switzerland, further strengthening their efforts to prioritize user safety across the globe.
Apple’s introduction of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature has revolutionized user safety for iPhone 14 users. By extending the free trial for an additional year, Apple has shown its unwavering dedication to offering life-saving services and prioritizing user safety above all else. With the expansion of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature to iPhone 15 users and the inclusion of innovative features such as Roadside Assistance, Apple continues to lead the way in ensuring users have access to essential services, even in regions with limited connectivity.