With the release of the iPhone 14, Apple added to its smartphones the function of emergency communication with intelligence agencies via satellite.
It allows you to contact rescuers even in places where there is no network coverage. You just need to have access to a satellite to pick up a signal.
Initially it was only available in the US and by telephone, but over time it spread to many other countries. Alas, it still doesn’t work in Russia. However, it is already active in Europe.
During a trip to Spain, we tested satellite communications on the brand new iPhone 15 Pro. I’ll tell you how it works and why this is a useful feature.
What kind of satellite connection?
With the introduction of satellite communications, the iPhone did not become a satellite phone. It allows you to chat with 911 (or other emergency services) via text communication.
The gadget contains a special module for communication with satellites.
“Satellite” in the iPhone is intended only for emergency communications. For example, if you are lost in the woods and you cannot connect to a cell tower. To do this, you can go to the SOS section in the indicator to connect with emergency services. Find a satellite and determine which way to turn your phone to establish a connection.
Apple’s satellite network uses the same bands used by other satellite services, specifically L-Band and S-Band frequencies. During a request from an iPhone to a satellite, a message is received by one of the 24 Globalstar satellites in low Earth orbit, moving at a speed of about 16 thousand. miles per hour (25.7 thousand km per hour). The satellite then sends a message to customs stations located at key locations around the world.
This connection works several times slower, ensuring data transfer. However, it is she who may one day save your life (we hope not the victim).
In which countries is it available?
Emergency SOS call to satellite is currently available in:
•
• Austria
• Belgium
• cold
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• parts
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Great Britain
• USA
costs
Satellite connectivity is free for the first two years of iPhone 14/15 use. In the event of an emergency, you will not be charged any connection fees.
The company will then collect certain data. However, its cost has not yet been specified. It is estimated that approx. 50 dollars per month.
How to tune into a satellite
So, let’s move on to setting up the iPhone to receive a satellite signal.
Important: The place you are in should have access to the sky and good visibility. In dense forests, connection problems may occur, although this is not necessarily the case. Apple says mountains, hills, canyons and tall structures can interfere with satellite communications.
Since you obviously can’t see the satellite in orbit hundreds of kilometers away, the iPhone advises you to turn to the right to “catch” the emergency signal and fix it, as well as to correctly orient yourself during emergency communications.
Of course, we did not find ourselves in any emergency situation, but we tested the functionality of the mode in demo mode.
To access it (as well as the function itself), you need to go to the menu. Settings -> Emergency call – SOS -> Emergency SOS call via satellite -> Test satellite connection.
As soon as you activate this mode, cellular communications will be disabled. The iPhone connects to the satellite and turns off the demo broadcast of artificial emergency services.
Satellite mode Allows you not only to communicate with emergency services via messages, but also to send contact information through the application. Locator. This function can be useful, for example, during a picnic in an area where there is no network. This feature was not available in demo mode.
You can check the activity mode in the upper right corner. It will say “SOS. Satellite text.” And above the opened messenger a blue curtain appears with the inscription “Emergency call – SOS (demo). This is not a real emergency.”
After activating SOS, the satellite search interface will open in front of you. He found searching for AirPods or AirTag in Locator. You will need to roll over following the location of the satellite to connect with it, its position can be understood by the corresponding icon.
There is no need to directly aim at the exact position of the satellite. It is enough to turn in the right direction and stand towards him while communicating. If there is a deviation from the iOS position, you will notify about this and offer to correct the direction.
How does it work. Impression
iPhone asks you to answer a series of multiple-choice questions to quickly describe your situation and provide emergency assistance for your entire life situation.
The smartphone then sends these answers the first time along with your medical record from the app. Healthemergency contact information, your location and altitude, and the remaining battery life of the device.
After this, the gadget will begin to simulate communication with intelligence agencies. The virtual operator asks clarifying questions, for example, about the location, whether there is a fuel leak in the event of an accident, how many victims, and so on.
As you work, check my questions yourself. In this situation, these will be 911 operators.
The sender of one message was deleted approximately 10 seconds. You can track the sending through the interface by displaying iMessage – there will be a status bar at the top.
To communicate with the operator via satellite no need to aim at the sky all the time. Moreover, you just need to turn to the satellite and type text as usual.
Tested the function in Reus (Catalonia, Spain) in a populated area with relatively small buildings. Here is the exact position at the time of testing.
The signal was caught quickly, it took no more than a minute. Well, the further connection was active throughout the testing.
The satellite will also be useful to loved ones
As I said above, with the help of satellite communication, you can share situations with family members through Locator.
This will allow them to know where you are, even if the iPhone does not receive a cellular signal.
Useful feature. But it’s better if it doesn’t come in handy
The function worked well. Connecting to a satellite and sending messages is fast. In any case, in the city and in demo mode.
You can communicate with operators as usual in the regular iMessage interface. Everything turned out clear.
It’s a pity that satellite communication is currently only available on the iPhone. I wish it would also come to the Apple Watch. This would be important in cases where the iPhone is dead. Moreover, the watch has a spacious communication module.
We hope that the innovation will not be useful to anyone, but there is a clear benefit from it.
Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
