Apple announced today that its satellite-based Emergency SOS service for iPhone 14 models will be rolling out in the US and Canada later this month, although no specific date or iOS version has been given yet.
Apple today announced a $450 million investment from its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to develop infrastructure that supports Emergency SOS via satellite. The majority of the funding will go to Apple’s satellite partner, Globalstar, with the goal of helping people in remote areas connect with emergency services.
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Apple said its investment in Globalstar will allow iPhone 14 users to connect to emergency services when they are off-grid. This is achieved by providing critical improvements to Globalstar's satellite network and ground stations located in: Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Puerto Rico and Texas.
The four iPhone 14 models will be able to connect directly to Globalstar satellites, allowing users who are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage to send text messages to emergency services and share their location via satellite using the Find My app. The feature will help users point their iPhone toward a satellite with visual cues on the screen.
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In good conditions with a clear view of the sky, it can take 15 seconds to send a satellite message, according to Apple. However, if there are trees blocking the view or other obstacles, it can take over a minute for the message to get through. In environments with “dense foliage,” an iPhone may not be able to connect to satellites.
By investing in Globalstar, Apple was also able to upgrade its ground stations to use new high-power antennas. These antennas were designed and built specifically for Apple and allow the company to provide better service to its customers.
Emergency SOS requests from iPhone users are received by one of Globalstar's 24 satellites in low Earth orbit. These objects fly at speeds of about 16,000 mph and then relay the message to ground-based custom stations located near key locations around the world.
The message goes to a ground station when it's received. After that, emergency services receive the message so they can send help if needed. If the nearest emergency services location can't receive text messages, then the message is routed to a relay center with Apple-trained emergency specialists.
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According to a support document from Apple, the Emergency SOS feature over satellite will be available with an iOS 16 software update coming in November. The service will be free for the first two years, but it appears Apple plans to start charging for the feature after that.
Apple has not said which additional countries will have the expansion available by the end of next year, but it has confirmed that plans are in place.
Source of information: macrumors.com
