Apple Demonstrates Emergency SOS via Satellite in Ad as Feature Launches

Apple today shared an ad titled "The Rescue" that demonstrates the iPhone 14's new Emergency SOS via Satellite safety feature in action. The video was first shared during Apple's September event for the iPhone 14, and it has now been shared on a standalone basis and will likely air as a TV commercial over the coming months.


The dramatic video shows first responders boarding a helicopter and flying towards a couple on the top of a mountain after they contacted emergency services with the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, which launches today in the U.S. and Canada. The feature is available on all four iPhone 14 models running iOS 16.1 or later.

Emergency SOS via Satellite allows iPhone 14 models to connect directly to a satellite, enabling users to send text messages to emergency services when outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Apple says a text message might take 15 seconds to send via satellite in "ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and the horizon," but foliage or other obstructions can result in delays or no connection entirely.

Apple says the feature will be expanded to France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK in December, but it did not provide a specific release date.

When available, an option to send a text message via Emergency SOS via Satellite will appear after dialing 911 outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. There is also a demo mode in the Settings app under Emergency SOS that allows users to test out the satellite connectivity without contacting emergency responders.

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Top Rated Comments

WWPD Avatar
37 months ago
This ad doesn't hold a candle to the Life Call, Help I've fallen and I can't get up ads.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Toratek Avatar
37 months ago
The thing they aren't telling you is that the bill you can get (not always, but often) for a rescue can be considerable. In my region, this can be a minimum of $6000 (short helicopter air ambulance ride) to well over $20K (SAR team extraction).
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alexandr Avatar
37 months ago

That's a really well done commercial! Great music choice too. But yeah... I wouldn't want to be stuck paying the emergency helicopter fee ?
Even if the other option is DEATH?..
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CasinoTech Avatar
37 months ago
I live in a remote part of the country in the middle of Wyoming. All of our EMS service is by helicopter and we have long stretches of travel with no service. This service is really awesome and has everyone in town talking. It really changes the game for those of us that could encounter a situation. Granted most people in the country will never be without service, but for us here its important ?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lazyrighteye Avatar
37 months ago
This is the same piece they shared during the keynote, yes?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
temende Avatar
37 months ago
Thankfully I am the most boring person on Earth and am never in those types of exciting, life-threatening situations.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)