Apple’s satellite SOS is now enabled in the Southern Hemisphere with its arrival in Australia and New Zealand. The feature is available for iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max starting today.
This is technically a paid service, but current owners are subscribed free for 2 years. If you buy an iPhone 14 after today, your free 2 years will start decreasing from the day you activate the phone.
Using the new satellite SOS feature • Location sharing via satellite
The SOS feature presents users with a short questionnaire that will gather vital information to send to rescuers. Two-way chat will be available once a connection to the satellite is established and with good visibility a message can get through in about 15 seconds.
Normally, the satellite option will appear on the dial screen if a call to 911 fails because there is no coverage (alternatively, you can tap the power button 5 times). There’s also a demo mode you might want to try before heading out into the wilderness so you know what to do in an emergency.
If you have set up your Medical ID, it will be sent to the response team. You can also add up to 10 emergency contacts, who will be notified and, if they have recent iPhones running iOS 16.4 or later, a transcript of your communication with emergency services.
A short questionnaire will help inform the emergency services of your situation
This feature also has a non-emergency use, you can use it to share your location with your friends and family. Large swathes of Australia lack cell coverage, so this can keep loved ones updated on your progress if you go out exploring.
Emergency SOS by satellite was available in 12 countries before today: Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom and United States. Apple reports that the system has already helped save lives on multiple occasions.
You may want to read this page for more information on how the system works and how to use it. You can find out how to share your location using the Find My feature here.
Start a new Thread