Apple introduces SOS over Satellite in Australia and New Zealand

The Cupertino-based tech company has rolled out the SOS over Satellite feature in the Southern Hemisphere. Reportedly, the feature is introduced in Australia and New Zealand. The feature is currently accessible on the iPhone 14 series. Apple has introduced the SOS via satellite as a paid feature. But the feature is currently available for free for the first two years for the current owners. If someone now purchases an iPhone 14 model, the two-year free trial will start from the day they activate the device.

Users are presented with a short questionnaire. This questionnaire gathers the important information that will be sent to emergency responders. As soon as a satellite connection is established, users will be able to carry out two-way chats. With a good and proper connection, a message can be transferred in just 15 seconds.

Normally, the Satellite option will feature on the dial screen in case a call to emergency service fails to connect because of low or no coverage. In the alternative scenario, users can tap on the Power button five times. Furthermore, the feature is provided with a demo mode that will help educate the users about using the SOS feature.

If a user has set up a Medical ID in the device, it will be transferred to the emergency response team. Users can add almost ten emergency contacts who will be notified if their devices run iOS 16.4 or later. Emergency contacts will receive a record of your communication with emergency services.

Besides the emergency use, the feature offers non-emergency use as well. Users can share their location with friends and family. Given the fact that some areas of Australia do not have cell coverage, users can keep their contacts updated with their location. Previously, Apple introduced the SOS over satellite features in 12 countries. These include Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK and the US.