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An iPhone feature known as SOS by satellite, introduced with the iPhone 14 and running iOS 16.1 or later, has proven to be a life-saving tool for individuals in need of help. Unlike traditional emergency contact methods that rely on cellular towers or Wi-Fi, SOS by satellite ensures communication even when there are no towers available or all towers are down.

To set up this feature, navigate to the Emergency SOS settings at the bottom of the page. Although it doesn’t need to be turned on, there are a few important steps to take. It is crucial to have a clear view of the sky, as the iPhone establishes a satellite connection. Therefore, the phone should be in an open area without obstruction from trees or buildings.

When attempting to contact 911 and the call fails, the iPhone 14 will automatically initiate a satellite connection to reach emergency services. The phone’s compass permission is required to determine the exact location. If the compass app is not present on the device, it can be downloaded from the app store. In the location services settings, ensure the compass has permission to access location when sharing.

Once connected to the satellite, the phone searches for a 911 call center and sends text messages to request information about the emergency and share the approximate location. If someone is injured, the phone provides instructions on how to administer immediate aid.

In addition to notifying emergency services and sharing location details with first responders, Apple’s emergency service sends text messages to the user’s designated emergency contacts. These contacts are configured in the health app under the medical ID section. Users can also input medical conditions and medications to assist responders in providing appropriate care.

It is important to note that this feature is exclusive to the iPhone 14 and future iPhones, as well as iOS 16 and subsequent updates. Non-iPhone emergency contacts will receive an alert via text message if an emergency call is made.

By setting up emergency contacts within the device’s settings, users can quickly notify their family and friends in case of an emergency with a simple tap on the screen. During the demo provided by Apple, it may take between 15 seconds and a minute for messages to be delivered, as they are sent via satellite from a considerable distance away from Earth.

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