iPhone 14 Emergency SOS: Here's How I Used a Satellite to Contact 911

Some of the most important enhancements in the iPhone 14 are unassuming tools and services that, hopefully, you'll never need. Emergency SOS via Satellite, which Apple announced in September but only released on Tuesday, is one such function — and I had the chance to check it out.

Beyond the clouds and sky, hundreds of miles above the Earth zipping by at 16,000 kilometers per hour, are communications satellites. They're too high to be seen by the human eye, but might be critical for getting you the aid when you (or someone you love) is trapped, injured and out of cell service range. The iPhone 14 may connect to these satellites to contact an emergency dispatcher even when you can't make a phone call. You may also share your whereabouts with loved ones via a satellite without sending a message.

Like Car Crash Detection, Emergency SOS by Satellite is something you hope you won't ever have to make use of. But if you're wondering how it works, I had the chance to test it out in Apple Park. If you want to check the service out for yourself, Apple is included in a built-in demo mode that allows you to connect to a satellite without dialing 911.

How to utilize Emergency SOS through Satellite on the iPhone 14

The first thing you need to know about Emergency SOS via Satellite is that you don't need to know anything. The service is meant to function on its own, and the UI will lead you through the process step by step.

The second thing you should know is that utilizing Emergency SOS is equal to contacting 911. In fact, that's actually how you utilize it. Dial 911, and if your phone can't connect, an option to text emergency services via satellite displays. To get started, touch the Emergency Text via the Satellite button. (You may also go to Messages to text 911 or SOS, and then tap Emergency Services.)

When I tested the function out, there appeared a satellite icon in the upper right corner of the phone, where my cell signal typically resides.

Next, hit Report Emergency. Since a back-and-forth discussion isn't feasible through a satellite link like a typical phone, Apple collaborated with emergency dispatchers to design a form that captures the critical information they need in order to respond. Those details are compressed into a message that's a third the size of a typical text so that it may be delivered to a satellite in low Earth orbit.

Using taps, you answer the emergency questions according to your scenario. The sorts of emergencies you can pick are:

• Car or Vehicle Issue
• Sickness or Injury
• Crime
• Lost or Trapped
• Fire

Depending on your emergency, you'll get different follow-up prompts and inquiries. You can also inform your emergency contacts.

Next, onscreen guidance will let you connect to a satellite. The UI is basic and leads you through finding a satellite and staying connected. As the satellite moved, I was instructed to shift left or right to retain the connection. And despite a gloomy, wet day, the link functioned within 20 to 30 seconds. But it might take a minute or more to connect, especially if there is light vegetation.

Once you're connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation with emergency responders and shares the emergency questionnaire answers, your location (including elevation), critical information like your medical ID and emergency contact information (if you have set them up), and the remaining battery life for your iPhone.

You can be asked for information through other messages, such as where you're situated or whether you have medicine.

At the top of the screen, a pane indicates your connection to the satellite and the status of your communications. Emergency dispatchers get your messages and reply through SMS. If your local emergency services don't allow text messaging, Apple has set up relay centers with operators who operate as an intermediate between you and emergency dispatch.