Testing Apple's New Emergency SOS via Satellite Feature

Apple today officially launched the new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that's available for the iPhone 14 models, so we thought we'd test it out to see just how it works.


Emergency SOS via satellite is designed to allow users to connect to emergency services when no cellular or WiFi connection is available, such as when out hiking, camping, or driving in remote areas.

It is a feature that only becomes available to use when you don't have a connection and attempt to make a phone call or send a text, but Apple has a built-in demo feature so that users can get familiar with it without having to place an emergency call.

Under Settings > Emergency SOS, there's a new Emergency SOS via satellite section with a "Try Demo" option.

To get help quick, Emergency SOS via satellite starts off by asking a series of questions about your situation, such as whether you're lost, have been in an accident, or are injured. That information, along with your Medical ID (if activated) and location is sent along to the local emergency services.

If the local emergency services location accepts texts, the information is sent directly, and if not, it goes through a relay center with Apple-trained operators that pass the information along.

Details are sent through a text message interface that allows emergency responders to text back and forth with you to garner the information that's needed for a rescue. If you're in a car accident, for example, rescuers might ask for more details on location, your ‌iPhone‌ battery level, what happened, and whether you're in immediate danger from a gas or fluid leak.

Emergency SOS via satellite is meant to work outdoors with a clear view of the sky, and this facilitates the best connection. Reduced size texts can send in just 15 seconds if you have a clear view, and the ‌iPhone‌ guides you where to hold your ‌iPhone‌ for the best connection.

You'll see directions to turn left or turn right to connect to the satellite, and you'll be alerted on screen when you have a poor connection and the steps you can take to improve it, such as moving to a spot with a better view of the sky.

If there isn't a strong connection, it can take several minutes for texts to be sent back and forth, but the ‌iPhone‌ aims to direct you to an ideal location for communication. Emergency SOS via satellite is limited to emergency texts with emergency responders, and it is not able to be used to text friends and family.

The feature can, however, alert your emergency contacts if you are calling for help via satellite, and it can also be used to update your location via Find My when you don't have a cellular or WiFi connection. When no connection is available, you'll see an option to update your location through the "My Location via Satellite" feature under the "Me" tab in the ‌Find My‌ app.

Emergency SOS via satellite is available on all ‌iPhone‌ 14 models, and it is rolling out today. You need to be running iOS 16.1 or later to use the feature, and no software update is required. Emergency SOS via satellite is available in the United States and Canada right now, and it is expanding to France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK in December.

You can use Emergency SOS via satellite for free as of right now, and Apple has said it will be available at no cost to all ‌iPhone‌ 14 owners for a period of two years. There is no word as of yet on what it will cost when that two-year period expires.

Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

erinsarah Avatar
38 months ago
Dang, the snark in this comment feed is off the charts. Lots of people seem to have the answers here, and clearly more expertise than, say, the development team that had to learn to make the phone communicate with freaking satellites. Someone call Apple HR, these people need to be hired right now!

Personally I see this as an amazing feature I will likely never need. But good to know it's there. Some day I might be mountain biking with a friend in the middle of nowhere with no cell connection, and that friend gets mauled by a wildebeest. It's good to know that I won't have to strap him to my bike rack to get him to safety, and instead can summon help.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Anaxarxes Avatar
38 months ago

Does the SOS have a major impact on the battery life? I wonder if it drains the battery a lot faster since it's communicating with the satellites and maintaining the signal. ??️
Watching that downloaded Netflix show while being hurt & stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone reception?

or, OR!

calling for help...

Tough one.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
burgman Avatar
38 months ago

But does it work if your out sailing in international water?
If you are doing that then you know the answer and have the correct marine emergency equipment. If not sell your boat now.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
38 months ago
Does the SOS have a major impact on the battery life? I wonder if it drains the battery a lot faster since it's communicating with the satellites and maintaining the signal. ??️
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mega ST Avatar
38 months ago
Fantastic feature I have to say. Not a 14 owner yet but this could be a reason to upgrade.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jimbobb24 Avatar
38 months ago

Garmin inReach.
I was worried all the people with dedicated devices wouldn’t show up to talk about how this feature now in a PHONE just isn’t as great as the device they spent money on.

But they never disappoint.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)