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As previously promised, Apple’s SOS satellite emergency service was introduced on Tuesday in the US. The service allows owners of Apple’s newest iPhones to tap emergencies or share their location and prestige with emergency taps via satellites when they are in a place where popular cell phones aren’t available.
When you launch the satellite emergency SOS, you are presented with a multiple-choice questionnaire that attempts to collect data on your situation.
Once you fill it up, you will follow a guided procedure to orient the phone to send the message to the satellite. The data included in the message includes questionnaire responses, location (including altitude), current battery charge for your iPhone, and your medical ID if you have enabled it. You can also share a transcript with your emergency contacts.
The feature does not make voice calls, as voice calls are not practical with the satellites used or in all situations. According to Apple’s blog on the subject:
Apple has designed and built traditional parts and software that allow the iPhone 14 to connect to satellite-only frequencies without a bulky antenna. It also evolved a set of text compression rules to reduce the average message duration by 300%, making the experience so fast. as possible. With Emergency SOS via satellite, users can send and receive messages in as little as 15 seconds in transparent conditions.
The satellite emergency SOS “uses spectrum in the L and S bands, in particular designated for cellular satellite through the ITU Radio Regulations,” according to Apple. It is sent to one of 24 satellites operated through a U. S. company called Globalstar, which also operates many floor stations.
The message will be forwarded to a nearby emergency call center called a Public Protection Reaction Point (PSAP) or, if the most productive reaction location is not provided to service text messages, to “Apple-trained emergency specialists” who relay the message.
You can also check satellite connectivity without touching the emergency as preparation. The satellite network can also be used for a percentage of your location with a tap via the Find My app.
The Satellite Emergency SOS is available for two years after you activate your new iPhone, but will be charged in cash after that time. Apple has published a detailed document on how to use the feature.
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