One of the New features appear with iPhone 14″ September 2022 handsets is a feature Apple calls “Satellite Emergency SOS”—and the name tells you pretty much everything you need to know.
Apple says it’s intended for “special circumstances where there is no other means of accessing emergency services.” When you have a problem and can’t get a Wi-Fi signal or lock on a cell tower, your iPhone 14 will communicate with a satellite and send your plea for help that way.
However, be warned, this is not a backup internet connection for personal use. The satellite connection is slow and limited, and it’s really only suitable for transmitting key information about your situation: where you are, how you are, and what help you need.
To use the emergency SOS function via satellite, you need an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple hasn’t discussed long-term pricing yet, but it does offer two years of free service when you buy a compatible device.
How satellite emergency SOS works
Satellite Emergency SOS is only available when you are in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage—otherwise, you can contact emergency services or your trusted contacts at usual way. Ideally, you need a clear view of the sky and horizon, as obstructions such as foliage and mountains can slow or even block your satellite connection.
Even in perfect conditions with the best satellite lock, it can take 15 seconds to send a message. That may seem crude, but there’s a lot of impressive tech here — not least how Apple has packed satellite connectivity into something as slim as the iPhone 14. (Look at the size of a satellite phone. common sense to know what we mean.)
As you’d expect in a stressful emergency, your phone guides you through everything you need to do, including moving your iPhone to stay locked to satellite. (This can be done even when the phone is locked.) This feature works in conjunction with other safety options on iPhone, so you can send information to emergency responders from Medical ID section of the Health app for example.
