Apple Extends Free Satellite SOS for iPhone 14 Users Apple is extending the free use of its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature for iPhone 14 users, marking the one-year anniversary of the service. The feature, which allows users to call for help over satellites in areas with no cellular coverage, has proven to be a lifesaver in various rescue operations since its launch. One such instance involved Juana Reyes, an iPhone user who found herself in a dire situation during a birthday hike in the Angeles National Forest. After stepping onto unstable ground and fracturing her ankle, Reyes and her friend attempted to call 911 using their smartphones, only to find that cellular service was unavailable. In a stroke of luck, Reyes’ iPhone 14 was able to utilize the Emergency SOS via Satellite mode to send a distress message for help. This critical communication ultimately led to her rescue. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team, who responded to Reyes’ distress call, attested to the effectiveness of Apple’s system. They revealed that they receive 911 texts through the service an average of 1-2 times per week, emphasizing the faster response times enabled by direct integration with their dispatch systems. Emergency SOS via Satellite was introduced in November 2022 exclusively for iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models. The feature automatically searches for a satellite connection to call for help in situations where cellular service is not available. Its impact has been recognized worldwide, prompting Apple to extend the service for an additional year free of charge to existing iPhone 14 users. Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, Kaiann Drance, expressed enthusiasm for the service’s positive impact and announced that many iPhone 14 users would have access to the Emergency SOS capability through 2025. However, the company has not disclosed any pricing details for the feature beyond that period. The introduction of Emergency SOS via Satellite has significantly improved the search and rescue field, according to Mike Liam of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue. He advised individuals in distress to remain in their location while waiting for help. While the Emergency SOS feature is exclusive to iPhone 14 models, it is essential for all smartphone users to prepare for emergencies. Setting up emergency contacts and medical information on your phone, as well as enabling crash detection features, can be invaluable during critical situations. Apple, Samsung, and Pixel devices offer various options to input emergency information and contacts, ensuring that essential details are readily accessible when needed. In a world where unexpected events can quickly unfold, taking a few minutes to set up emergency information on your phone can make a significant difference in your safety and the efficiency of emergency response.