All four iPhone 14 models feature a new satellite SOS emergency feature that will launch in the US and Canada in November. According to a new report, Apple plans to expand the feature to more countries over time.
According to reports, Apple has the Swiss website MacPrime informed that the company plans to announce more countries for Emergency SOS via Satellite later this year, followed by even more countries next year. It is unclear when exactly the feature will be introduced in more countries and which countries will be included. The emergency satellite feature is intended to enable the iPhone 14 models to connect directly to a satellite and send text messages to emergency services when they are outside of cellular network or WiFi coverage.
iPhone 14 series introduces emergency satellite function
When the service launches in the US and Canada, Apple says it will be free for the first two years. Apple says a message can be sent in 15 seconds under "ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and horizon." But it can take over a minute to send a message "under trees with light or medium foliage." On the iPhone, the feature helps users point their iPhone at a satellite to establish a connection. (Image: Apple)