Apple iPhone 14 satellite emergency SOS feature began rolling out to Australian and New Zealand users after debuting in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) last year.
The rollout expansion enables more iPhone 14 users to reach emergency services in far-flung places wherein phone cellular signal is unavailable.
Apple iPhone 14 Satellite Feature Expands Roll Out
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Attendees examine a brand new iPhone 14 Pro during an Apple special event on September 07, 2022 in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the new iPhone 14 as well as new versions of the Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch SE, a low-cost version of the popular timepiece that will start at $249.
As per a report by 9to5 Mac, the Cupertino-based tech giant has officially rolled out its highly anticipated iPhone 14 satellite feature, soaring to new heights in connectivity for more users. Your iPhone is about to become an even more powerful tool, allowing users to stay connected even in the most remote areas in Australia and New Zealand.
The much-awaited release covers the entire flagship lineup, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, as well as the higher-end options, the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It gives Apple fanboys more reason to upgrade as older versions skip the satellite feature.
Apple Insider reports that the emergency SOS via satellite function initially debuted in countries like the US, the UK, Canada, and Germany. Besides these regions, it is also available to iPhone 14 users in the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, France, Italy, Portugal, and Germany.
And this time, the satellite feature is now available in 14 countries as iPhones in New Zealand and Australia receive the cutting-edge satellite feature. Gone are the days of worrying about being stranded in far-flung corners without means of communication.
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How Apple's iPhone Satellite Feature Works
WUHAN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 16: (CHINA OUT) New Apple iPhone 14's are put on display at an Apple store on September 16,2022 in Wuhan. Hubei, China.
According to The Guardian, a long-time myth tells phone users to search for cellular signals by pointing their mobile devices in various directions in the air. That is exactly how the new emergency feature works since it connects to satellites orbiting roughly 1,000 kilometers (km) away from our home planet.
The new feature is crucial when users are stranded in the rural wilderness of Australia and New Zealand, wherein cellular signal and WiFi connection are unavailable. In this dire situation, the best thing folks could do to stay connected is to send distress signals using satellite.
iPhone 14 users have varying ways to use the feature in Australia and New Zealand. For the latter, they must call 111 and select the Emergency SOS button to contact the authorities. On the other hand, users in Australia may use the service by dialing 000 or Triple Zero.
Once that is out of the way, the satellite function gives away your emergency details, such as iPhone battery level, Medical ID, and approximate location, to help responders find your whereabouts.
For the first two years since the feature debuted, Apple vows to offer the emergency SOS via satellite option free of charge. The feature has since saved a couple of lives.
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