Apple extends its Emergency SOS via satellite service for iPhone 14 users by two years, offering a total of four years of free emergency service for those activated before November 15, 2023.
In Short Apple extends Emergency SOS via satellite service for iPhone 14 users by two years The service allows users to send emergency messages and share location via satellite when there`s no regular phone or Wi-Fi signal The service works best in clear sky areas and may have limitations in far northern regions like parts of Canada and Alaska
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Apple announced today about extending its Emergency SOS via satellite service for people who own the iPhone 14. Originally, when someone bought a new iPhone 14 and activated it, Apple offered two years of this emergency service for free. That deal was supposed to end in November 2024.
However, Apple has decided to make this service free for an additional two years. So, if you have an iPhone 14 and activated it before November 15, 2023, you can enjoy this emergency satellite SOS service for free for 4 years. This expansion means you can use this feature for more time without paying.
A service that allows you to send emergency messages using satellite radio waves when regular mobile networks or Wi-Fi are unavailable. It’s like a safety net that allows you to contact emergency services even if you’re in an area without phone service.
So if you’re in a place without cell service or Wi-Fi, you can use your iPhone to send a message to emergency services via satellite. Plus, you can share your location in the Find Me app in case you need help.
It’s important to note that this service works faster in places where the sky is clear. If there are lots of trees or tall buildings blocking the sky, it might take longer for your emergency message to go through. Also, in some very far northern areas like parts of Canada and Alaska, the satellite might not work well due to how far north these places are located.
“Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From a man who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free.”
This special feature works on both iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. It lets you send text messages to get help in emergencies when no regular phone or Wi-Fi signal is available. You can also use it to share where you are using the Find My app.
Apple says you can send and receive messages within 15 seconds, assuming everything is OK on the outside. First, answer a few quick questions and provide important details. You will then be asked to point your phone at the sky and send your first message. This message tells emergency services where you are, how you answered questions, how much battery your phone has left, and any medical information you’ve added.
However, it is important to remember that this feature works best when you are outdoors and can see the sky. If there are many trees or tall buildings nearby, it may take some time for your message to arrive. Additionally, satellites may not work well in far northern locations, such as parts of Canada and Alaska.
How does Satellite SOS work?
Building on this satellite infrastructure, Apple recently launched a new service that helps users call AAA when they run into car trouble when they’re out of range of their cell phone or Wi-Fi. We introduced satellite roadside assistance to connect you. 2 Other safety features that come in handy when it matters most include:
- Open the Find My app and share your location via satellite to let friends and family know where you are even during a power outage.
- Crash Detection detects serious car accidents and automatically alerts emergency services if you are unconscious or cannot access your iPhone.
- Check-in allows users to automatically notify friends and family that they have safely arrived at their destination. 3
Users can set up a Medical ID in the Healthcare app to help first responders access critical medical information from the lock screen for faster response. No passcode is required.
FAQ
How does the iPhone 14 get service?
To connect your iPhone to a cellular network, you need a physical SIM card or an eSIM. (Not all options are available on all models or in all countries and regions. iPhone 14 and later models purchased in the U.S. can only use eSIM.) Request a SIM card and subscribe to cellular service. Contact your wireless provider to set it up.
Which service is included for free for two years with the activation of any iPhone 14 model?
Buying and activating a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 series device will include two years of Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance access for free. The services they connect you to are covered under the AAA membership terms or available on a pay-per-use basis for non-AAA members.
Can I ask Apple for a free iPhone?
Nope. Apple does not ever give out free iPhones, sorry! You would have to buy one just like everyone else does. However they do offer the old iPhone 5S for free with certain contracts, just click the link below and select Sprint or Verizon.
Is Apple giving free iPhones?
The so-called iPhone giveaways marketed by Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T can make customers spend more on perks they don’t need.
Those Promotions Promising a ‘Free’ iPhone? It Isn’t Free.
Can iPhone 14 work without SIM?
One of the most significant changes in the iPhone 14 models in the U.S. is that they don’t have SIM card trays. Apple instead shifted to using eSIM for you to connect to your network provider.
How many months do customers get Apple services for free?
3 months free. Apple TV+ is included for 3 months when you purchase an Apple device and redeem the offer within 90 days.
What’s the difference between iPhone 14 and 15?
iPhone 15: Processor. While the processor on the iPhone 15 is better in most ways than the iPhone 14’s processor, it’s a fairly incremental update in and of itself. Across a variety of tests and benchmarks, the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15 outperforms the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 14 in every way.