Community Chat

[Mindy D]

Apple introduced the Emergency SOS via Satellite with the iPhone 14. The feature lets owners get in touch with emergency services in places that do not have cellular connections.

During the Lāhainā fire a family of 5  was in their van when flames suddenly erupted all around them. The smoke was so black they couldn't even see. They weren't able to call for help because there was no cell service working. One of the people in the van had the iPhone 14. With Apple Emergency SOS they were able to make contact with first responders. When a user triggers the Emergency SOS the phone asks some questions about the situation until it can connect with satellites. The information is then sent to relay centers where specialists call for help for the users and transcripts of the call can also be shared with the owners emergency contacts. In this case the information was sent to a relay center and the center specialists shared the location with emergency rescuers. The center confirmed to the users that the fire department was on its way and the family was then rescued. Here's a screenshot the family shared about their rescue.

SCREENSHOT SHARED by phone owner

My brother’s girlfriend’s cousin and his family were caught in their vehicle in Maui while the wildfires suddenly erupted around them. No cell service, so Apple Emergency SOS was the only way they could get in contact with first responders. Literally saved their lives.

[Still Raining]

How wonderful for this family.

But be aware that no satellite will work in a forested area.  There are still a lot of places out there where no one can be contacted at all.