Apple recently held its Wonderlust event where it introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 15 series and iPhone 15 Pro series, alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Last year, Apple incorporated two useful features, Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection, into the iPhone 14 lineup to assist users in crisis situations. Now, the company has added another noteworthy feature to the iPhone 15 lineup.
The iPhone 15 series includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Prices for the iPhone 15 start at Rs 79,900, while the iPhone 15 Pro starts at Rs 1,34,900. Pre-orders are set to begin on September 15.
The newest addition to the iPhone lineup is the Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature. This feature is an add-on to the existing Emergency SOS via Satellite option and serves as a handy solution for iPhone users who find themselves in situations where their car breaks down in areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite is compatible with all iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro models. Initially, this feature will only be available to users in the US. Apple has partnered with the American Automobile Association (AAA) to provide emergency road service.
Using this feature, users can start a new text message to Roadside Assistance and follow the onscreen instructions to establish and maintain a connection with a satellite. The iPhone will prompt users to answer a few questions, such as the car model and the nature of assistance required.
Similar to Emergency SOS via Satellite, users can text roadside assistance and specify the type of help needed, such as a flat tire, running out of fuel, being locked out, being stuck, or facing starting issues.
Once users respond to the questions, they will be connected with a AAA roadside assistance provider who will dispatch the appropriate help. Typically, this service requires a membership, but iPhone users can access the feature even without AAA membership. Apple has not disclosed the cost of this service without a membership, but AAA membership starts at $65 per year.
Additionally, Apple is offering two years of free Emergency SOS via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite connectivity for customers who purchase an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. It is important to note that Roadside Assistance requires satellite connectivity and users will need to pay an additional fee to AAA.
The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is also an invaluable tool for iPhone users in emergencies where there is no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. Moreover, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models come equipped with hardware sensors and advanced motion algorithms that can detect severe car accidents.