iPhone's emergency SOS: Lifesaving satellite feature explained

Emergency SOS on iPhone is an innovative feature that can save lives in situations without access to a mobile network. Learn how satellite communication works and what limitations you might face.

Since the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple has introduced a feature that could prove invaluable in emergencies. Emergency SOS uses satellites to contact emergency services, even when you are out of mobile range. This innovative solution aims to provide help in the most critical moments, such as getting lost in the mountains or having an accident in a remote location. In this article, you will learn exactly how this technology works and its limitations.

The Emergency SOS feature on the iPhone is one of Apple’s latest solutions that could be crucial in crises. Satellite communication, introduced with the launch of the iPhone 14, enables users to contact rescuers even when there is no mobile coverage. This means that even in the toughest conditions, such as remote mountains or forests, the iPhone can help you get the necessary help. It's a feature every user hopes they will never need to use, but it can literally save lives.

Apple's Emergency SOS uses satellite technology to communicate with emergency numbers in areas where the lack of mobile coverage makes traditional calls impossible. This feature is designed for emergencies and activates automatically when an attempt to contact local emergency services via a mobile network fails.

The user receives instructions on their phone screen that help them position the device appropriately to connect to the satellite. Once a stable connection is established, the iPhone sends a text message to emergency services with basic information about the user’s situation. Messages can also be sent to local relay centres if the emergency services do not support text messages.

Although Emergency SOS on iPhone offers revolutionary capabilities, it has some limitations. Primarily, data transmission via satellite is significantly slower than traditional mobile networks. For this reason, messages have a limited number of characters, and the first step after establishing the connection is to fill out a short survey that helps rescuers obtain key information quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, this feature does not replace full satellite connectivity — it is only available in emergency situations and does not allow for sending non-emergency messages, such as checking emails or using social media. Besides that, the service is free for the first two years, after which users will need to pay a subscription, although Apple has not yet disclosed the exact costs.