Apple Extends Free Emergency SOS Via Satellite for iPhone 14 and 15 Users: Two Years of Access
Apple has recently announced an exciting extension to its emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone 14 and 15 users. When the iPhone 14 series was launched, it introduced this key new feature, allowing users to contact emergency services even without a cellular connection. Initially, Apple offered two years of free access to this service, and now they have surprised users by granting an additional year for free.
The emergency SOS via satellite service was launched a year ago and has proven to be a valuable tool for iPhone 14 users. With the extension, anyone with an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max activated before today will once again have two years of access to this service.
Not only is this service available for the iPhone 14 series, but it also applies to all iPhone 15 models. As soon as users activate their iPhone 15, they will enjoy a two-year free trial of the emergency SOS feature.
Apple has expanded the availability of this service to 16 countries and regions, including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. This means that iPhone users in these regions can try and send an SOS message via satellite if they find themselves in distress while off-grid.
The emergency SOS via satellite feature is an ingenious system developed by Apple. Despite satellites being invisible to the naked eye, the iPhone’s software and GPS information can guide users on where to point their device when they are outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Once contact is established, the iPhone initiates a conversation through text message, shares the user’s location with emergency responders, and alerts their emergency contacts.
In addition to helping in emergency situations, the Find My app on iPhones can also be utilized to share one’s location with friends and family when outside cellular connection range.
Apple proudly claims that this service has already saved lives within its first year of operation, including the rescue of a man whose car had plunged over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles.
This recent announcement brings great news to iPhone 14 and 15 users, as they can now benefit from approximately two years of free access to this life-saving service. With the extension and broader availability of the emergency SOS via satellite feature, Apple continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its users.
