We’re used to smartphones being largely the same year after year. But one notable feature of the iPhone 14 line—which includes the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max—is not only useful, but could potentially save your life: Satellite connectivity, and, with it, Emergency SOS.
This is no mere hypothetical: The recent wildfire tragedy in Maui provided one example of the iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite in action. As explained in this tweet, the wildfires trapped a family in their car with no cell service. They had no visibility, didn’t know where to go, and couldn’t call for help. Luckily, one of them had a iPhone 14, and was able to contact emergency services via text message.
From this exchange, which included location and time stamps, emergency services were able to find and rescue the family—all because their iPhone could connect to a satellite for communication.
Here’s how it works.
What is Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Emergency SOS itself is nothing new: It allows you to dial 911 quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. But Emergency SOS still relies on your phone having a cellular connection to reach out to authorities. If you’re somewhere without service with your iPhone 13 or older, you won’t be able to use Emergency SOS to reach out.
The iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite, however, allows you to communicate with emergency contacts in various life-threatening scenarios, even when you don’t have a signal. For example, if you’re out hiking in a remote location and are injured or get lost, your iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS feature lets you text first responders and send alerts to contacts in your phone, even if you don’t have a mobile or wifi connection.
How to use Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone 14
Emergencies by definition are unpredictable situations, so you never know what your circumstances will be when they happen. However, Apple has some guidance on making the feature as effective as possible:
- Hold your phone naturally in your hand. You don’t need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don’t put it in a pocket or backpack.
- Make sure that you’re outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
- Be aware that trees with light foliage might slow down the connection, and dense foliage might block it. Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also impede the connection.
- In case you need to turn left or right or move to avoid a blocked signal, your iPhone provides guidance—just follow the onscreen instructions.
- The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.
Emergency SOS via Satellite will present itself as an option if you try to dial emergency services like 911 without cell service. If you know your local emergency services number, you can pull up this option when you attempt to text them. (You may need to be on iOS 16.4 or later for this to work.) When you choose Emergency SOS via Satellite, tap “Report Emergency,” then answer the emergency questions that appear on screen.
You’ll also have the option to alert your emergency contacts that you are using Emergency SOS. The feature will then send your contacts your current location and a summary of your emergency. Your iPhone will also give you instructions for staying connected to the satellite, including moving in a certain direction to maintain the best connection. Once you’re connected to emergency services, you can update the other party with your current situation. There may also be additional instructions going forward.
Keep in mind that satellite messages take longer to send than standard texts. According to Apple, it can take 15 seconds in ideal conditions when messaging under a clear sky, and over a minute to send under trees with light to medium foliage. You might not be able to send a message at all if the foliage is too heavy.
While this feature does a good job walking you through the basics during an emergency, it never hurts to be as prepared as possible. You can try Emergency SOS via Satellite as a demo in Settings > Emergency SOS so you know exactly what to expect should you ever need it.
Apple says this feature is completely free for the first two years after activating an iPhone 14. However, the company has also yet to confirm pricing for a future paid version of the service. And as of this writing, the iPhone 14 isn’t even a year old, so all iPhone 14 owners will be able to use it for free for some time.