Apple Satellite Phone SOS Feature and Availability

The Apple satellite phone has a built-in SOS feature, which can be activated in emergency situations. This feature is designed to send a distress signal to emergency services, providing your location and other critical information.

To activate the SOS feature, you'll need to press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously for at least 3 seconds. This will send a distress signal to emergency services.

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The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is a game-changer for iPhone users. It allows you to connect to emergency services even when you're in an area with no cellular coverage.

To use this feature, you can try calling 911 or emergency services, and if that doesn't work, you can tap Emergency Text via Satellite to send a text message. You can also go to the Messages app and text 911 or SOS.

Here's a step-by-step guide to using Emergency SOS via Satellite:

When you're connected to a satellite, your iPhone starts a text conversation by sharing important information, including your Medical ID and emergency contact details. It also shares your location, elevation, and iPhone's battery level.

This feature is designed to help you communicate when your cell service isn't working, and it's expected to roll out in November in the United States and Canada. The iPhone 14 will come with this feature, and it's free for two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14.

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You can try calling 911 or emergency services even if your normal cellular carrier network isn't available. If your carrier's cellular network is unavailable, iPhone displays and attempts to route any emergency calls through other networks, if available.

To use Emergency SOS via satellite, you'll need to have a clear line of sight to the sky. This means holding your phone naturally in your hand and not raising your arm or holding your phone up.

If the call doesn't go through, you can tap Emergency Text via Satellite to text emergency services. You can also go to the Messages app and text 911 or SOS, then tap Emergency Services.

Here's a step-by-step guide to using Emergency SOS via satellite:

When you're connected to a satellite, your iPhone starts a text conversation by sharing important information including your Medical ID and emergency contact details (if you set them up). It also shares your answers to the emergency questionnaire, your location (including elevation), and your iPhone's battery level.

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The Apple satellite phone feature is a game-changer for emergency situations. It's designed to help you connect to emergency services when you're in areas with no cell service.

To use this feature, you'll need an iPhone 14 or later, running iOS 18 or later, with an active SIM. You'll also need to turn on iMessage before heading outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

The service works by using a built-in antenna in your iPhone to connect to satellites, which are hundreds of miles above the Earth. This allows you to send and receive text messages, even in areas with no cell service.

To send a message via satellite, follow these steps: try calling 911 or emergency services, then tap Emergency Text via Satellite to text emergency services. If your call doesn't go through, you can also go to the Messages app and text 911 or SOS, then tap Emergency Services.

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The service is free for two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14, but the cost after that is still unknown. You'll need to hold your phone naturally in your hand, with a clear line of sight to the sky, to connect to a satellite.

Here are the requirements to use iMessage via satellite:

The service can also be used in non-emergency situations, such as when you're out for a long hike and want to keep your family updated on your whereabouts. When connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation by sharing important information including your Medical ID and emergency contact details, if you've set them up.

Apple's satellite phone capabilities are available in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Availability in other regions is subject to regulation by government agencies, necessary approvals, and other market-specific requirements. Apple is working to bring these capabilities to more regions as soon as possible.

If you purchased your iPhone in certain countries, you might be out of luck. Satellite connectivity isn't offered on iPhone models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

The satellite network for Apple features is provided by Globalstar, Inc. and its affiliates or third-party network providers. This is the case for all regions where satellite connectivity is available.

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Before going off the grid, make sure you have a reliable way to stay connected with loved ones.

Try the Satellite Connection demo to learn how to connect to a satellite. This will give you a sense of how it works and what to expect.

To use iMessage via satellite, you need to turn on iMessage before you're off the grid. This is a crucial step to ensure you can stay in touch with family and friends.

Setting up an emergency contact and Family Sharing is also essential. This way, your emergency contacts can message you via SMS without you messaging them first.

If you're planning to go off the grid, encourage your contacts to update their iPhone to iOS 18 or later for iMessage via satellite to work.

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Availability can vary depending on where you are in the world. In Canada, the United States, and Mexico, you can enjoy the full range of features.

The availability of these features in other regions is subject to regulation by government agencies, necessary approvals, and other market-specific requirements. Apple is working to bring these capabilities to more regions as soon as possible.

Some countries have restrictions on satellite connectivity. For example, it's not offered on iPhone models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

If you purchased your iPhone in Hong Kong or Macao, you'll only have access to satellite connectivity on iPhone 16e and later models.

Here are some specific countries where satellite connectivity is not available:

And here's a note on the satellite network providers used by Apple: