Sat. Sep 30th, 2023
Apple Expands iPhone Emergency Services with Roadside Assistance

Apple is expanding its iPhone-based emergency services with Roadside Assistance via satellite. This feature will connect people facing car trouble in remote areas with AAA, the country’s largest roadside assistance provider.

Those with an iPhone 14 or the newly announced iPhone 15 can access Emergency SOS via satellite, which contacts emergency responders for those involved in car accidents or injured in remote locations. Roadside Assistance via satellite follows a similar concept, but instead of contacting 911, it connects users with AAA.

When a user experiences car trouble in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, they can now connect with AAA for assistance. Users will need to indicate the type of service they need on a short questionnaire, such as “locked out,” “flat tire,” or “vehicle stuck.” Apple will then transmit this information to AAA via satellite.

While the service to connect drivers to AAA is free, AAA may charge for roadside assistance services. This is a significant benefit for those who require immediate help and do not have a AAA membership, which is typically a requirement for their services. Non-AAA members using iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 can take advantage of Roadside Assistance via satellite on a pay-per-use basis.

Apple has not disclosed the cost of its emergency features after the initial two years. Additionally, the new iPhone 15 supports Crash Detection, which can notify authorities in the event of a suspected car accident.

Emergency SOS is currently available in 14 countries and regions and will soon expand to Spain and Switzerland.