iPhone 14 and 14 Pro get satellite SOS for emergencies off grid

Image Credits: Apple

Apple has added limited satellite connectivity on the latest iPhones, allowing users to make the SOS regardless of not being on the grid. No dish is needed. Although it doesn't permit normal voice, data or text, it will notify emergency services about your situation and location.

Suppose there is a chance of injury in the backcountry or in any similar situation. In that case, people can use an emergency SOS feature when they own the iPhone 14 or 14 Pro, and both come with a new wireless chip that can be used to activate it.

The new feature is distinct from the satellite-based text and data connectivity that is coming via Lynk, and as long as they can make it work, T-Mobile and Starlink. These orbital cell towers are powerful enough to reach and receive signals from the earth's surface. Apple has reportedly formed a partnership with Globalstar, a conventional satellite connectivity service that operates with bands that usually require a specific antenna.

Due to this, it is necessary for users to point their phone toward the satellite, which isn't large enough to be able to read, so Apple created a tiny orientation app to help guide your phone in the proper direction. But the bandwidth is very restricted, and once you're connected, select from a set of messages that include: what's happening, is anyone injured, and so on. They reduce the required information and will take less time to transmit the battery level. Your location and medical details will be automatically sent along with your site and battery level.

 

Image Credits: Apple

The process will take around 15 seconds; however, if there's an obstruction to the tree or alignment that isn't perfect, anticipate it to take several minutes.

This method relies on PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points). Some of them allow texts to 911; in this case, the user, in the event of an emergency, SOS can exchange information with local emergency services. When the PSAP doesn't allow this function, Apple built and is providing local relay stations which serve as intermediaries between emergency services.

The service, accessible within in the US and Canada starting-in-November, is free during the first 02 years of its existence, Apple stated but did not go into how much it could cost after that time. In the next two years, Lynk and Starlink will likely have their services running, and the latter will, at a minimum, offer emergency text message and SOS capabilities for free worldwide.