iPhone 14 users in the UK, Germany, France and Ireland gain access to Emergency SOS via Satellite

One of the highlights of this year’s iPhone 14 lineup is Apple’s new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. The latter essentially enables users to contact emergency services, even if they are outside Wi-Fi and/or Cellular coverage.

Emergency SOS via Satellite has been available for some time in the US and Canada, where it already saved a person’s life earlier this month. This time around, the feature will be rolling out in the UK and a number of EU member states (including Germany, France and Ireland). This information was first brought forward by Apple itself in a dedicated post on their Newsroom website.

Starting today, users in the aforementioned countries will be able to make use of the potentially life-saving feature. Emergency SOS via Satellite functions in a very straight-forward manner.

Once initiated, the feature will establish connection with local authorities, in addition to a user’s emergency contacts, if necessary. Afterwards, critical relevant information like the person’s location, details of the accident and the data stored in the user’s Medical ID, will be shared.

Apple has even developed a demo to make sure users are well-prepared to use Emergency SOS via Satellite, if the need arises. For a more detailed overview, you can check out Apple’s extensive support article.

However, there are a number of caveats that should be noted. Firstly, only Apple’s newest iPhone lineup has access to the feature (i.e. the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max). Secondly, Emergency SOS via satellite requires iOS 16.1 or later.

Thirdly, the feature functions on a subscription basis, but it will be free for the first 2 years after the activation of a new iPhone. Lastly, Apple specifies in its blogpost that, although only 4 European countries have been included now, more will follow soon.