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We’re used to smartphones being largely the same year after year. But one notable feature of both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineups is not only useful, but could potentially save your life: satellite connectivity, and, with it, Emergency SOS. Here’s how it works.
What is Emergency SOS via satellite?
Emergency SOS itself is nothing new: It allows you to dial 911 quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. But Emergency SOS still relies on your phone having a cellular connection to reach out to authorities. If you’re somewhere without service with your iPhone 13 or older, you won’t be able to use Emergency SOS to reach out.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15's Emergency SOS via satellite, however, allows you to communicate with emergency contacts in various life-threatening scenarios, even when you don’t have a signal. For example, if you’re out hiking in a remote location and are injured or get lost, Emergency SOS via satellite lets you text first responders and send alerts to contacts in your phone, even if you don’t have a mobile or wifi connection.
This is no mere hypothetical: Emergency SOS via satellite proved essential during August's wildfire tragedy in Maui. As explained in this post, the wildfires trapped a family in their car with no cell service. They had no visibility, didn’t know where to go, and couldn’t call for help. Luckily, one of them had an iPhone 14 and was able to contact emergency services via text message.
From this exchange, which included location and time stamps, emergency services were able to find and rescue the family—all because their iPhone could connect to a satellite for communication.
How to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14 and iPhone 15
Emergencies by definition are unpredictable situations, so you never know what your circumstances will be when they happen. However, Apple has some guidance on making the feature as effective as possible:
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Hold your phone naturally in your hand. You don’t need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don’t put it in a pocket or backpack.
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Make sure that you’re outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
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Be aware that trees with light foliage might slow down the connection, and dense foliage might block it. Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also impede the connection.
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In case you need to turn left or right or move to avoid a blocked signal, your iPhone provides guidance—just follow the onscreen instructions.
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The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.
Emergency SOS via satellite will present itself as an option if you try to dial emergency services like 911 without cell service. If you know your local emergency services number, you can pull up this option when you attempt to text them. (You may need to be on iOS 16.4 or later for this to work.) When you choose Emergency SOS via satellite, tap “Report Emergency,” then answer the emergency questions that appear on screen.
You’ll also have the option to alert your emergency contacts that you are using Emergency SOS. The feature will then send your contacts your current location and a summary of your emergency. Your iPhone will also give you instructions for staying connected to the satellite, including moving in a certain direction to maintain the best connection. Once you’re connected to emergency services, you can update the other party with your current situation. There may also be additional instructions going forward.
This feature isn't just for life threatening emergencies, either. With the launch of the iPhone 15, Apple introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite, which lets you connect to services like AAA when you have no service. If you get a flat while on the road, or run out of gas with no station in sight, this feature can help even when in a dead zone.
Keep in mind that satellite messages take longer to send than standard texts. According to Apple, it can take 15 seconds in ideal conditions when messaging under a clear sky, and over a minute to send under trees with light to medium foliage. You might not be able to send a message at all if the foliage is too heavy.
While this feature does a good job walking you through the basics during an emergency, it never hurts to be as prepared as possible. You can try Emergency SOS via satellite as a demo in Settings > Emergency SOS so you know exactly what to expect should you ever need it.
Is Emergency SOS via satellite free?
When you buy a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 and activate it in a region that supports Emergency SOS via satellite, you get the feature for free for two years. However, Apple recently extended this trial by an extra year for iPhone 14 customers who activated their phones prior to 12 a.m. PT on Nov. 15, 2023. That means iPhone 14 users can use Emergency SOS via satellite for free for as long as iPhone 15 users.
Apple still hasn't revealed what the pricing model will be for this feature once these trials end. Right now, the service will be free starting until fall 2025, so perhaps we'll see more pricing details as we get closer to that date.
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