Apple has announced a significant expansion of its Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra. The company says the feature will launch to users in Mexico later this year, joining existing availability of Find My via satellite and Messages via satellite in the country.
As a refresher, here’s where Emergency SOS via satellite is available right now:
- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.
Later this year, Apple says Emergency SOS via satellite will launch in Mexico. In a statement to 9to5Mac, the company explained:
Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra allows users to text emergency services and notify emergency contacts even when they do not have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Since it launched with iPhone 14 in 2022, it has contributed to many lives saved. We’re excited to announce the feature will become available later this year to users in Mexico with iPhone 14 or later — including the newly announced iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — and Apple Watch Ultra 3, building on the existing Messages via satellite and Find My via satellite capabilities for these devices.
Emergency SOS via satellite is supported on the iPhone 14 or later as well as the new Apple Watch Ultra 3. The feature kicks in when a user is in an area with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage and tries to call or text emergency services. The user will be presented with a questionnaire that gathers information about their emergency. iOS then guides users through the process of where to point their iPhone or Apple Watch to connect to a satellite.
Once connected, the responses are sent to an Apple-trained relay center that contacts emergency services on the user’s behalf.
Emergency SOS via satellite is free for two years after activation of an iPhone 14 or later or Apple Watch Ultra 3. The company once again extended that free period last month for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users.
We’ve seen countless examples of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature saving lives over the last several years:
- Apple’s satellite SOS helps rescue injured climber in Colorado
- iPhone’s emergency satellite features lead authorities to group of stranded hikers for 24-hour rescue operation
- First responders praise iPhone’s ‘live saving’ satellite texting feature
- Family rescued in Maui thanks to iPhone’s satellite feature
- iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite saves the day for Utah college kids trapped in 500-foot deep canyon
Have you had reason to use any of Apple’s impressive satellite connectivity features on your iPhone? Let us know down in the comments.
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