Apple isn’t exactly known for being generous. That’s why the recent announcement from CEO Tim Cook comes as a surprise: The US company is extending the free use of a feature introduced with the iPhone 14. According to Apple, this feature has even saved lives, and the tech giant cites two impressive examples to support this claim.
It’s a nightmare scenario: finding yourself in a life-threatening situation with no means to call for help. To prevent such cases, Apple has offered the SOS emergency satellite call feature since the iPhone 14. When neither Wi-Fi nor mobile networks are available, this useful function kicks in, allowing users to send an emergency call.
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After an initial free trial period, the service was supposed to convert into a subscription. However, Apple is now extending the free period.
For iPhone 14 Owners: Apple Extends Free Use of SOS Emergency Satellite Call
For existing owners of an iPhone 14, the free access will be extended for another year (Source: Apple). However, this extension applies only to iPhones activated in a country where the emergency call feature is available before November 15, 2023.
According to Apple, these countries include Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and the USA.
“Today, a year ago, we launched the emergency SOS via satellite. Today, we extend the free access to this life-saving technology for existing iPhone 14 users for another year,” writes Apple CEO Tim Cook on X (formerly Twitter).
A year ago today, we launched Emergency SOS via satellite. Today, we’re extending free access to this lifesaving technology for existing iPhone 14 users for another year. https://t.co/qtEad9JN35
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) November 15, 2023
According to Apple, the feature has already saved lives, such as in the case of a man whose car plunged 120 meters off a cliff or lost hikers.
How the SOS Emergency Satellite Call Works
The satellite emergency call function isn’t meant for regular communication. Apple asks a few emergency questions and shares the responses, along with location and remaining battery life, with the rescue teams. Emergency contacts and information from the emergency card are also shared if set up.