One year ago, Apple launched its revolutionary safety service Emergency SOS via satellite for all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. and Canada. This groundbreaking technology, which allows users to text emergency services even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, has already saved numerous lives. Now, it is also available on the iPhone 15 lineup in 16 countries and regions.
To further support the safety of its users, Apple has announced that existing iPhone 14 users will have an additional year of free access to Emergency SOS via satellite. The company recognizes the significant impact this service has had in connecting people with emergency responders in critical situations.
The success stories of Emergency SOS via satellite are plentiful. From a man who was rescued after his car plunged over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, this technology has been instrumental in saving lives around the world.
In addition to this service, Apple has recently introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite. This feature allows users to connect with AAA if they encounter car trouble while outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Other safety capabilities available on iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models include the ability to share location via satellite using the Find My app, automatic crash detection and emergency dialing, the option to notify friends and family when reaching a destination safely, and setting up a Medical ID in the Health app to provide critical medical information to first responders.
The free trial extension for Emergency SOS via satellite applies to iPhone 14 users who activated their devices in countries supporting the service before November 15, 2023. For more information on the availability of Emergency SOS via satellite, please visit Apple’s support website.
Roadside Assistance via satellite, offered in partnership with AAA, is included for free for two years upon activation of a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 model. However, certain roadside assistance services provided by AAA may have associated costs. iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 users who are not AAA members can still access Roadside Assistance via satellite on a pay-per-use basis for AAA’s services.
To make use of the Check In feature, users must have iOS 17 or later installed on their devices.