One of the most interesting features of iPhones is the satellite connection in case of emergency. For many, it’s seen as an added feature without value, but the reality is that it was one of the significant leaps in security that the industry demanded.
Apple debuted the emergency SOS service via satellite with the iPhone 14 series. The feature initially launched in the USA and Canada and shortly after in other European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Ireland.
As Apple continues its satellite expansion, the company has announced today that it’s offering a full year of free service to those who own an iPhone 14.
A surprising measure affecting millions of customers
The tech giant has declared through a press release that it’s extending its free satellite coverage for a whole year for iPhone 14 users, while mentioning that the feature has saved countless lives from a grim fate:
“A year ago today, Apple’s groundbreaking Emergency SOS satellite safety service was made available on all iPhone 14 models in the United States and Canada. Now also available on the iPhone 15 lineup in 16 countries. Apple has announced today that it’s extending free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for another year for current iPhone 14 users.”
However, as you might have guessed, there’s a catch: it only applies to owners of an iPhone 14 who activated their device in a country supporting Emergency SOS via Satellite before today, November 15, 2023. If you buy the phone today, you won’t have two years of satellite connection.
Apple has also provided clear instructions on how to use the feature in case assistance is ever needed. Reliable communication with a satellite within range requires having your iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 under an open sky, and objects like trees, buildings, foliage, or any other obstruction will hinder messages from being sent or received quickly.
Under ideal conditions, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners can expect messages to be sent and received within a 15-second interval. Additionally, minor details such as their location, altitude, iPhone battery level, and others are requested to make it much easier to accurately triangulate the device’s position.
