iPhone Roadside Assistance via Satellite Feature Now Available in UK

Apple's Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature for iPhones is now live in the United Kingdom, based on a recent update to Apple's support documentation.

apple roadside assistance
The quiet launch follows Apple's announcement during its iPhone 16 event in September that the feature would expand to the UK later in the year.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite enables iPhone users to contact breakdown services in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. UK breakdown rescue service Green Flag has partnered with Apple to provide assistance to stranded motorists via the feature in areas with poor connectivity.

According to the updated support page, the service is available on a pay-per-use basis for those who are not Green Flag members, though specific pricing details have not been disclosed. Apple offers its satellite services, including Roadside Assistance, free for the first two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or later.

For Roadside Assistance via Satellite to work when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, users need to be in an open area with a clear view of the sky and horizon, according to Apple.

To use the feature, open the Messages app and start a new message. Next, type "roadside" into the address field, and a "Roadside Assistance" option will appear. Tap on "Roadside Assistance" and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your iPhone to a satellite and request help.

The feature is compatible with iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 17 or later. The UK expansion follows Apple's established partnerships with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance in the US.

(Thanks, Jack!)

Popular Stories

iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

Thursday January 15, 2026 10:56 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another eight months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of January 2026: The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

These 5 Apple Products Will Reportedly Be Upgraded With OLED Displays

Friday January 16, 2026 7:07 pm PST by
Apple plans to upgrade the iPad mini, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, iMac, and MacBook Air with OLED displays between 2026 and 2028, according to DigiTimes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the iPad mini and MacBook Pro will receive an OLED display as early as this year, but he does not expect the MacBook Air to adopt the technology until 2028 at the earliest. A new iPad Air is...
2024 iPhone Boxes Feature

Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More

Thursday January 15, 2026 11:19 am PST by
Apple today updated its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Trade-ins can be completed on Apple's website, or at an Apple Store. The charts below provide an overview of Apple's current and previous trade-in values in the United States, according to the company's website. Most of the values declined slightly, but some of the Mac values increased. iPhone ...
Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Friday January 16, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

New Leak Reveals iPhone 18 Pro Display Sizes, Under-Screen Face ID, and More

Wednesday January 14, 2026 7:09 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro models are still around eight months away, a leaker has shared some alleged details about the devices. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo this week, the account Digital Chat Station said the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Consistent with previous...

Top Rated Comments

Pezimak Avatar
17 months ago

What network are you on? I haven't had no signal at all whilst being on road where this feature would be used in a long time.
Three and EE. And I am in Dorset and there are black spots. The UK does not have coverage everywhere. The 3G switch off has also made it worst in some areas on different networks. This feature will certainly help in more rural areas.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lusty Avatar
16 months ago
So in an emergency I have to remember that I need to write a message to “roadside” that’s not in my address book to access what we call breakdown assistance in the Uk.

Does anyone remember when Apple made things easy to use? Jobs wouldn’t have let this get past the testing phase with an interface like that.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pacmania1982 Avatar
17 months ago
Don't forget like MOST of the highlands in Scotland and especially on the islands. This would be super cool for them. I didn't realise iMessage via satellite hadn't rolled out here so couldn't work out why I couldn't do it on a ferry in the middle of the Bay of Biscay a few weeks back.

I'd also like to know what the ongoing price for this will be too. Originally when all the satellite stuff was launched with the iPhone 14 (Pro/Pro Max??) - Apple said it was going to be free for two years. Hasn't it been two years now for those who bought iPhones and tried it then? No mention of costs moving forwards and it's only going to get bigger.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pezimak Avatar
17 months ago
Possibly quite a useful feature, glad to see it in the UK. Never know when you may need it and the UK doesn’t have coverage everywhere… despite it being 2024 and the UK being a not huge island. A bug bear of mine living in the UK.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Poisednoise Avatar
16 months ago
Quite a coup for Green Flag I would imagine, given that they are surely number three for roadside assistance in the UK by quite a long way.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Poisednoise Avatar
16 months ago

In GB you have to go to the left side of the forest, then it works (sry but i had to...) ?.
Wondering whether it’s worth pointing out that over a third of the world’s population, including that of the world’s most populous country, drive on the left. It’s not as uncommon as you might think.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)