What You Need to Know About Apple's Emergency Satellite Feature for iPhone 14

With the iPhone 14 models, Apple is introducing a new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that is designed to allow emergency messages to be sent even when cellular and WiFi connections are unavailable.


We thought we'd highlight some of the features of the new satellite functionality for those of you who are curious about how it works.

When It Works

Satellite connectivity is available to be used whenever you are out of range of WiFi or cellular and need to send an emergency message.

emergency sos via satellite
Apple says that it was designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky, so performance may be impacted if there are trees or buildings that are nearby.

Messaging Options

You can't make phone calls using the SOS via Satellite feature, but you can send short text messages. The ‌iPhone‌ will actually front-load vital questions to assess your situation, and it will send that information to emergency personnel as soon as you're connected.

apple emergency sos message interface
Apple created a compression algorithm that makes text messages three times smaller to speed up communication as much as possible.

If you're in an area where emergency services can receive text messages, the text message will be sent directly, otherwise it will go to a relay center with Apple-trained specialists that will be able to place an emergency call for you.

apple satellite relay

Accessing Satellite Connectivity

Using satellite functionality requires your ‌iPhone‌ to connect to a satellite in the sky, so the ‌iPhone‌ will walk you through where to point your ‌iPhone‌ to get it connected to the nearest satellite.

apple point at satellite

Time Delays

Apple says that if you have a clear view of the sky, a short message can be sent within 15 seconds, but it can also take several minutes if there are obstructions.

Find My Integration

Through satellite connectivity, ‌iPhone‌ users can share their location over Find My even when there is no cellular or WiFi connection, which provides additional security for those camping or hiking in remote areas.

apple find my satellite

Crash Detection

The ‌iPhone‌ 14 models have a new dual-core accelerometer that can detect G-force measurements up to 256Gs, and a new high dynamic range gyroscope, both of which are for Crash Detection. Crash Detection is a new feature that pairs with emergency satellite, as it allows you to get help even if you crash in a remote location.

Globalstar Partnership

According to an SEC filing submitted following Apple's event, Apple is working with Globalstar on the satellite connectivity feature. Globalstar will be Apple's satellite operator, and it has agreed to allocate 85 percent of its current and future network capacity to support Apple's iPhones.

Globalstar and Apple's contract says that Globalstar will provide and maintain all resources, including personnel, software, satellite systems, and more, and maintain minimum quality and coverage standards.

Pricing

Apple has not provided details on how much satellite connectivity will cost, but all ‌iPhone‌ 14 users will get two years of satellite connectivity for free.

Availability

Satellite connectivity will be available in the United States and Canada on all ‌iPhone‌ 14 models. International travelers who visit the United States and Canada can use Emergency SOS via satellite, except if they bought their phone in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao, as Emergency SOS via satellite isn't offered in those countries.

Apple says that Emergency SOS via satellite might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Canada and Alaska.

Launch Date

Emergency SOS via satellite is set to launch in November.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 8 U.S. States

Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:26 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly since it was announced in 2021, with only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico,...
macbook pro blue green

M5 MacBook Pro No Longer Coming in 2025

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:38 pm PDT by
Apple does not plan to refresh any Macs with updated M5 chips in 2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are now planned for the first half of 2026. Gurman previously said that Apple would debut the M5 MacBook Pro models in late 2025, but his newest report suggests that Apple is "considering" pushing them back to 2026. Apple is now said to be...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

Leaker Reveals Amount of RAM in iPhone 17 Through iPhone 17 Pro Max

Wednesday July 9, 2025 8:08 am PDT by
Three out of four iPhone 17 models will feature more RAM than the equivalent iPhone 16 models, according to a new leak that aligns with previous rumors. The all-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will each be equipped with 12GB of RAM, according to Fixed Focus Digital, an account with more than two million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1

Foldable iPhone Display Production Begins Ahead of Launch Next Year

Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:59 pm PDT by
Production of foldable OLED displays for Apple's first foldable iPhone have begun ahead of its expected launch next year, Korea's ETNews reports. The first foldable iPhone's displays are being produced by Samsung Display, who are establishing a production line dedicated to the upcoming Apple device its A3 factory in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. The production line will make displays exclusively...
iphone 16 pro pro max

iPhone 17 Pro Models With BOE Displays Will Be Sold in China Only

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:59 pm PDT by
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models with displays made by BOE will be sold exclusively in China, according to a new report. Last week, it emerged that Chinese display manufacturer BOE was aggressively ramping up its OLED production capacity for future iPhone models as part of a plan to recapture a major role in Apple's supply chain. Now, tech news aggregator Jukan Choi reports...

Top Rated Comments

DanteHicks79 Avatar
37 months ago
If your iPhone (and you) are in an accident that produces acceleration of 256 G, they won't need to send emergency services - they'll send somebody with a mop and sponge.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wozmatic Avatar
37 months ago
Pretty neat, Apple employees won't need it because they stay at home all day but nice for those that do
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Dee Avatar
37 months ago
You can bet a lot of people are going to use this for when they are lost at the mall. "Heeeeeeeeelp, I can't find Lululemon and Cheesecake factory!" ?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jjudson Avatar
37 months ago
This would have really helped Walt and Jesse…
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wilberforce Avatar
37 months ago
I am paying $12/month for the basic Garmin inReach service, and the device costs about $400.
I often go offroad in very remote areas like parts of Death Valley, and if I broke down I would be seriously SOL. Several people have died in the last several years in these areas by being unable to communicate.
Here is one
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/camper-dies-wife-rescued-death-valley-national-park-76986506

People who think this should be permanently free might want to explain who should pay for launching and operating the satellite constellation.
Maybe a tax on everyone?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EssentialParado Avatar
37 months ago
I’m surprised this isn’t just an included feature on all iPhones. In two years from now there will be stories of people who died in remote situations because their emergency SOS coverage lapsed because Apple wanted to charge extra. It will be in very poor taste for Apple to charge extra for an emergency feature… I don’t believe they’ve ever done this before.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)