Owners of Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro will soon have access to a new feature called Roadside Assistance via Satellite. This feature was announced during Apple’s iPhone 15 event.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite is a service that allows users to request help in situations such as being locked out of their car, experiencing a flat tire, or running out of fuel or charge. It will be available in the United States, including Puerto Rico.

To use this feature, users must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky and horizon to connect to a satellite. The experience of sending or receiving messages via satellite differs from that of cellular communication.

The service is provided by AAA and covers four-wheeled, motor-driven cars and trucks. Pricing information for non-members will be provided before help is dispatched. Users can request assistance by going to the Messages app, tapping the New Message button, and typing “Roadside” in the address field. An option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite will appear in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

The feature requires iOS 17 or later and is not available on iPhones purchased in certain countries. While international travelers visiting the US can use this feature, it will not be available in Canada.

Apple has also announced plans to back a series of satellite launches to further support its satellite emergency services, with future launches being handled by SpaceX.