Apple announced an extension of the free Emergency SOS service for iPhone 14 customers, demonstrating their commitment to user safety.

Released in late 2022 concurrently with the iPhone 14, this function makes use of GlobalStar's network to facilitate satellite texting in order to provide aid to those in emergency situations that are outside the range of traditional cell signals.

Apple decided to offer an extra year of free Emergency SOS access after initially only providing two years of free service.

This move was made in response to multiple accounts of successful life-saving interventions. With the goal of providing people with even more support during unplanned emergencies, this expansion demonstrates Apple's commitment to using technology for social benefit.

(Photo : Unsplash/ Samuel Angor)

Free Feature Extended

Apple is still deciding on a cost for its Emergency SOS service that will entice users to subscribe.

Apple now has more time to figure out a fee that would help its services division.

Meanwhile, the lack of interest from smartphone manufacturers contributed to the failure of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite program, which attempted to provide satellite-based emergency services for Android.

With Qualcomm's separation from satellite communications provider Iridium, Apple was immediately relieved of its worries regarding a rival Android service.

The tech giant now has the chance to thoroughly evaluate how much to charge for its Emergency SOS service thanks to this development.

It just launched Roadside Assistance through satellite, which connects customers to AAA in situations such as finding a flat tire outside of cellular range.

Despite the release of the iPhone 14, Apple's long-term plans for Emergency SOS remain unclear. Information about post-trial usage and price models-one-time or ongoing-are not published. Even though the free service has been extended, it remains unclear where the program will go in the future.

The additional year will be granted to owners who activated their iPhone 14 before November 15; customers after that date won't.

On November 14, those who set up their phones will get three years of Emergency SOS, starting from the moment the trial is activated. Notably, users of the September-released iPhone 15 will not be eligible for this extra year of Emergency SOS.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Security Assessment Plan

How Emergency SOS Works

A safety feature for locations without a signal, emergency SOS via satellite requires a clear sky to activate. It's a technical miracle hidden under the elegant appearance of the iPhone 14, even with possible delays of up to 15 seconds.

Even with the phone locked, this system offers step-by-step instructions for satellite connectivity and easily integrates with the Medical ID of the Health app to share critical data.

The lack of Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity in real-world situations, such as a recent vehicle accident in Los Angeles, caused the iPhone 14's Crash Detection to initiate the satellite-based SOS.

This demonstrates how useful it may be in life-threatening circumstances.

This innovative feature has proven its efficacy in emergencies, showcasing its practicality and efficiency when conventional communication methods fail.

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