Apple has partnered with various services in these four countries to bring forth its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature
In addition to the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, if iPhone owners want to let their friends and family know their location if they are in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular reception, Apple’s Find My app helps provide that information. As for residents living in France, Germany, the U.K., and Ireland, Emergency SOS via Satellite is only compatible with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. With iOS 16.2 expected to launch later today, Apple states that iPhone users who dial their local emergency number will be re-directed to 112, which is the European emergency service, but that is if the call does not go through a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Gary Machado, the European Emergency Number Association’s CEO, talks about the benefits of Apple’s Emergency SOS via the Satellite feature and how it will help combat a wide range of problems. John Anthony, the British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials’ President, mentions that Apple’s emergency feature for iPhone users will be able to save lives in case there is no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. Emergency SOS via Satellite will be free for two years, after which Apple is expected to start charging users, though the amount or structure of the fee was not mentioned. What was mentioned was the fact that Apple launched the feature with the help of Globalstar, a global satellite communications company, and invested $450 million to bring it to the masses. The technology giant will likely be aiming to recoup that investment, hence it is expected to start charging customers after 24 months. If you want in-depth knowledge of how the feature works, make sure to read our detailed explanatory article on how Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite functions and what kind of limitations you can face when using it for the first time. News Source: Apple
