The new Emergency SOS via satellite will be available to users in the US and Canada, according to a statement made at the launch event for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.
The new iPhone 14 series was unveiled by Apple at a gathering dubbed “Far out.” The American company emphasises a single distinctive characteristic that it regards as ground-breaking each year. This year, the hot topic was satellite connectivity, which is actually unheard of in the world of smartphones. In essence, this new capability was created for SOS scenarios where cellular connectivity is not a possibility. Both the Pro and non-Pro iPhone 14 smartphones provide this new capability.
Satellite phones typically resemble wireless phones from the late 1980s. To connect to the satellite, they need large antennas. But Apple was able to fit all of that equipment into the comparatively small frame of the new iPhone 14 series. How does it all operate though?
Satellite capability on the Apple iPhone 14 series explained
According to Apple, the new iPhone 14 series has the new Emergency SOS via satellite thanks to a few special parts that are tightly linked with the software. Through this configuration, messages with emergency services can be sent even when a user is not within range of a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Only emergencies will call for the employment of this SOS satellite service. iPhones will ask the user a few crucial questions up front in order to make the most of the limited connectivity they will receive. Additionally, the phone will use a particular interface to demonstrate where they need point their phone in order to connect to a satellite.
The initial survey and any subsequent communications are then forwarded to support offices staffed by Apple-trained professionals who can make support calls on the user’s behalf. When there is no cellular or Wi-Fi connection, this technology also enables users to manually transmit their location with Find My over satellite; this feature might be useful when off-grid camping.
Satellite connectivity takes some time to develop, in contrast to cellular connectivity. In addition, you must know where to point the device to establish a secure connection. This is due to the low bandwidth and shifting targets of satellites. The transmission of messages could even take several minutes.
Will India have access to it?
Apple said that the new Emergency SOS via satellite would be accessible to users in the US and Canada in November and that the service will be free for two years during the launch event for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Although the business stated that this capability would be made available in other nations, India was not specifically mentioned.
For this new satellite capability to be activated in India, Apple may be anticipating a lengthier approvals window. Users who import satellite phones must receive DoT approval before using them.