On Monday, Apple launched emergency satellite communication in Australia and New Zealand. The company claimed iPhone 14 users in the zone could contact emergency services and share their position with friends and family without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
With the iPhone 14 introduction last September, Apple launched the service in the U.S. and Canada in November. The service now covers 12 nations, adding two more today.
Apple claimed emergency satellite communication might be initiated by swiftly tapping the power button five times, holding the power and volume buttons, or phoning 000. Then, by answering a short emergency questionnaire, the system will guide users to use satellite communications if they don’t have connectivity. Dispatchers receive this information and location.
The system guides users to point the iPhone at the satellite to send a message. Due to satellite communications ‘ low bandwidth, Apple compresses messages by 3x to send them faster.
Even if you’re hiking off-grid, the Find My app lets you share your whereabouts with your family. Select “Send My Location” under “My Location via Satellite” on the “Me” page.
“Regional, rural, and remote Australians understand the importance of staying connected, especially when they need emergency services. “The ability to contact Triple Zero with Emergency SOS via satellite when there is no mobile coverage is a strong backup to keep Australians connected in an emergency,” said Michelle Rowland, Australia’s communications minister.
This will help emergency services protect and save lives. Australians should check if their gadget supports this feature. Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi will soon add satellite communication to their phones, joining Apple in 14 nations.