iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity Feature May Launch Outside US, Canada This Year: Report

iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity Feature May Launch Outside the US, Canada This Year: Report

The iPhone 14 series’ satellite connectivity feature that lets you send SOS messages when you don’t have a cellular network is coming to countries other than Canada and the US, according to a report. The feature will arrive in these countries in November, Apple announced at the ‘Far Out’ event, which marked the debut of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This feature is free for the first two years.

According to a Report Through macprime, a limited form of satellite connectivity for iPhone 14 models that, when rolled out in November, will allow users to send SOS messages when they don’t have cellular connectivity, could be rolled out to other countries. However, there is no information about which countries will get this feature. This is one of the five features that we think is great when it comes to saving precious human lives.

iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity

If you’re a hiker who’s lost in the woods or has an injury that immobilizes you, in theory, you could use your iPhone 14 to send an SOS message to a satellite and it could aid in your rescue. “Satellites are moving targets with less bandwidth. It may take a few minutes to receive the message. Because every second counts, iPhone front-loads a few questions to assess your situation — just tap to respond. Then it shows you where to point to connect to the satellite,” Apple explains,

To send an SOS message, the sender must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky. As satellites move rapidly through space, iPhone 14 will help the sender know where to point to maintain your connection — and avoid obstacles like mountains and heavy foliage. Apple says that under ideal conditions, a message can be sent in less than 15 seconds. Under light foliage, this may take more than a minute. Once connected, iPhone 14 will automatically send your answers, location, medical ID (if set) and battery level to the dispatcher.

While researching and writing about this feature earlier, we spoke to Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint Research. He explained that this feature will be a good thing from a user’s point of view “especially in India where it can lead to meaningful growth.” They rightly point out that even if the feature is great, operational challenges need to be addressed. “What [happens] After the SOS communication? Do we have a fast response team like other countries?”, Pathak told Gadgets 360, explaining the feasibility of the feature in India.

Apple has partnered with Globalstar to support this emergency feature in the new iPhone 14 series. The Cupertino company revealed that it will be allocating $450 million (roughly Rs. 4,000 crore) from its Advanced Product Fund to support this new feature.


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