iPhone 14 gets Emergency SOS via Satellite

Well, certainly did not see this coming. Apple’s new iPhone 14 can connect to satellites for emergency SOS features.

Probably the biggest new feature for the iPhone 14, 14 Plus and 14 Pro is one you’ll hopefully never use, but you’ll be glad you have it if you need it. The new phones have a built-in satellite connection that can send emergency SOS messages in places where there’s no available cellular signal. 

First, your iPhone will help you orient your phone in the direction you need to point it to get the best signal. Once you have a connection, you can communicate with emergency service providers. Because of satellite connectivity limits, it’ll take much longer to send messages than you’re used to, so the feature includes some automatic questions it prompts you to answer. Apple is also compressing messages to speed up transfer.

This feature will be included for free for two years with all iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models; it’s not clear how much it’ll cost after that. What an awesome feature to have built in, no more need to carry along dedicated SOS devices on backcountry bikepacking trips!