The Apple iPhone 14 Gets Satellite Connectivity In Specific Countries

Last updated on November 21st, 2022 at 03:57 pm

This week, Apple is introducing its new SOS emergency feature to the iPhone 14 series via satellite communication in some countries.

Starting on Tuesday, the service will be accessible in the US and Canada. Next month, Apple will make this function available to owners of the iPhone 14 in France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK.

“The iPhone 14 lineup offers an indispensable option that may bring people the assistance they need while they are off the grid with Emergency SOS through satellite,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

According to Apple, this software-designed feature is compatible with all iPhone 14 models, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. 

According to Apple’s blog post, “Emergency SOS via satellite expands on current capabilities crucial to iPhone users, like Emergency SOS, Medical ID, emergency contacts, and Find My Location sharing, enabling the option to connect to a satellite.”

To send and receive the message, Apple will now instruct the user to point the iPhone 14 at a satellite. 

Additionally, you can convey information about anyone who requires assistance as well as any potential injuries. 

Apple has created specialized hardware and software to enable the iPhone to receive satellite signals without using a large antenna.

According to Apple, the message can be transmitted and received in about 15 seconds in clear conditions. 

This tool connects with the Find My app to determine the location of the troubled person, which might be crucial for those caught in a natural disaster. 

Other security features on the iPhone and Apple Watch that work with the satellite connection on the iPhone 14 lineup include crash

Both of these features require an iPhone running iOS 16.1, however as of right now, the technology is only compatible with the newest iPhone 14 series. According to Apple, the SOS feature is a two-year free trial that begins when your iPhone 14 model is activated.

An interface will appear on the screen of an iPhone 14 for anyone stranded without a network or Wi-Fi connectivity. 

It will inquire as to the emergency’s details, from being stranded or lost to being encountered by strangers. 

It might have something to do with a cliff, a cave, or water. According to Apple, you can point your iPhone upwards, and it will search the sky for nearby satellites to connect with.