Since it takes some time to establish the connection with the satellites, iPhone will ask users a few questions while the device is searching for signal. This includes questions such as “What’s the emergency?,” “Who needs help?,” and “Is anyone injured?” Then, iPhone automatically sends a text message with all these details to a local relay station.
Apple says it has created a compression algorithm that makes text messages three times smaller to make communication faster, since bandwidth is low compared to cellular networks.
Satellite connectivity is also integrated by default with Crash Detection, a new iPhone 14 feature that uses motion sensors to detect a car accident and automatically call the emergency services.
Availability
At first, satellite connectivity will be available only in the US and Canada starting in November. Apple says that the service will be offered free for two years for iPhone 14 buyers. After that, there will be a cost to enable satellite connectivity, but the price is unclear.
Pre-orders of the iPhone 14 begin on Friday, September 16.
Read also:
- Apple announces iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus: emergency satellite SOS, better battery life, upgraded camera, no SIM tray
- iPhone 14 Pro is here: Interactive ‘Dynamic Island’ notch, Always-On Display, new colors
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