Apple has promoted the forthcoming launch of its new Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone 14 models, which will be made available to users in the US and Canada later this month, allowing users to connect directly to a satellite, enabling messaging with emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
In a press release published on Thursday, Apple shared that it has made a $450 million investment from its Advanced Manufacturing Fund to provide the critical infrastructure that supports Emergency SOS via satellite featuring.
With Emergency SOS via satellite, iPhone front-loads vital questions to assess the user’s situation and shows them where to point their phone to connect to a satellite. The initial questionnaire and follow-up messages are then relayed to centers staffed by Apple‑trained specialists who can call for help on the user’s behalf.
This technology also allows users to manually share their location over satellite with Find My when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi connection.