iPhone 14’s satellite-powered SOS, collision detection feature is expected to save 2 lives

The iPhone 14’s satellite-powered SOS system has once again proven beneficial as it recently helped rescue two passengers who accidentally drove their car off Angeles Forest Highway in the Angeles National Forest and plunged 300 feet into the canyon. Apple’s satellite-powered SOS and collision detection feature was credited by first responders who carried out the rescue operation in a helicopter. Apple added the emergency SOS feature, backed by a satellite network, to iPhone devices launched in September and it’s already coming in handy for users in distress.

The California Montrose Search and Rescue Team posted an official update on the incident on Twitter. The message noted that they had received a call for help via Apple’s emergency satellite service.

The team also shared a video of the helicopter mission in progress.

The feature does not require a cellular or Wi-Fi network to work. Via the satellite network, users are also allowed to share their location.

If a user is unable to reach emergency services, iPhone displays an interface to get help to the user through a satellite connection. It asks users a bunch of questions to convey specific details to potential speakers.

Earlier this month, the iPhone maker announced the extension of this satellite SOS feature to iPhone 14 users in France, Germany, Ireland and the UK.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has partnered with Global Star to hardwire satellite connectivity to its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.

The service will be available for free for two years for iPhone users.

During the first week of December, Alaska State Troopers were alerted to an adult male stranded in a remote area through Apple’s satellite-based Emergency SOS feature.

At the time, the Apple Emergency Response Center, which received the man’s GPS coordinates, coordinated with the local emergency team to rescue the person unharmed and in time.

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