Yay! Apple confirmed today via a press release that the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is coming to iPhone 14 models in the U.S. and Canada before December! Let’s talk about it!
This has been an eagerly anticipated feature since its announcement alongside the iPhone 14, and now we finally have a concrete timeframe for launch. Coupled with this launch confirmation, Apple also announced a massive $450 million investment into critical infrastructure for the Emergency SOS feature – mostly into their satellite partner Globalstar:
A majority of the funding goes to Globalstar, a global satellite service headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with facilities across the US. Apple’s investment provides critical enhancements to Globalstar’s satellite network and ground stations, ensuring iPhone 14 users are able to connect to emergency services when off the grid. At Globalstar, more than 300 employees support the new service.
Apple Newsroom post
All four iPhone 14 models with have this functionality enabled, though we don’t have any word on any other requirements. After the feature goes live, users can connect directly to Globalstar’s satellites to send emergency messages while outside the range of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
User’s should expect the feature to require about 15 seconds to send the emergency message under ideal conditions – that is, a direct view of the sky/horizon with little to no foliage. Apple has advised that the feature could totally fail when under “heavy foliage” or “other obstructions”. So don’t try to send an emergency message in a f**king jungle (or climb a tree like Tarzan).
When an iPhone user makes an Emergency SOS via satellite request, the message is received by one of Globalstar’s 24 satellites in low-earth orbit traveling at speeds of approximately 16,000 mph. The satellite then sends the message down to custom ground stations located at key points all over the world.
Once received by a ground station, the message is routed to emergency services that can dispatch help, or a relay center with Apple-trained emergency specialists if the closest emergency services location is not able to receive text messages.
Apple Newsroom post
In a new support document released by Apple for the Emergency SOS feature, Apple breaks the feature in more detail explaining how precisely to connect to a satellite once the feature goes live:
As it stands, the feature is set to launch via a software update sometime in November though the exact date isn’t available. So, might wanna put off any crazy off-grid trips for a few more weeks – don’t wanna get stuck waiting for Apple to update your phone, ya know?
Oh yeah, and the feature is totally free for at least 2 years per Apple, but after that I imagine they’ll charge an arm and a leg for it. Satellites ain’t cheap, and Tim wants his money!
