This is how the iPhone 14 satellite emergency service works

Satellite calls are coming to the new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone 14 Pro, but not in the way we expected.

Satellite calls are several decades old, but you need to connect to them pretty big antennawhich, logically, no one can carry in their pocket.

for your new satellite emergency service, called emergency serviceApple has developed new hardware and specialized software that allows establish a direct connection between the iPhone and a satellite that is constantly orbiting the Earth. Quite a technological achievement.

But connecting directly to a satellite without an antenna has its limitations. Requires iPhone 14 to have a direct connection to the satellitewhat does we must be outdoorsor take the cell phone out of the window if we are inside the building, hoping that the cell phone will contact the satellite.

Appendix emergency service It will scan and tell you where the satellite is at the moment and how you should position yourself to connect to it.

Another important limitation is that in this system connection is very slow. Therefore, calls are prohibited. The only thing that can be done is send short sms.

Apple has created an algorithm that reduces the size of SMS messages by a third. There is also a Q&A system on topics such as where you are, what injuries you have, what help you need, etc. so you don’t have to type if you’re injured.

Even with this reduction in size sending an SMS message to the satellite may take more than 15 seconds, and at any time the mobile phone must have a direct line with the satellite.

This is a help system for people involved in a traffic accident outside the city, or lost in a remote area. It doesn’t look like it will work well in a city with tall buildings or indoors.

Apple is going to offer it new free SOS emergency service for two years. It will cost money later.

In addition to the aforementioned phones, Apple today also unveiled the new AirPods Pro 2 headphones, as well as the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and the eye-catching Apple Watch Ultra.