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Apple is set to expand its Emergency SOS via satellite feature to six new countries later this month. This follows its initial launch in the United States and Canada, and its expansion to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ireland.
The tech giant announced the expansion alongside the release of the yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The Emergency SOS via satellite and Find My via satellite features will be available in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Portugal.
The Emergency SOS via satellite feature allows users to send messages to emergency services even when they are outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Once an iPhone is connected to a satellite, emergency services can be reached regardless of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. The satellite connectivity can also be used to share your location with friends and family via Find My.
However, it may take some time to establish a connection with the satellites. While the device is searching for a signal, the iPhone will ask users a few preloaded questions.
To make communication faster, Apple has created a compression algorithm that makes text messages three times smaller since bandwidth is low compared to cellular networks. Additionally, satellite connectivity is integrated by default with Crash Detection.
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This expansion highlights Apple’s continued efforts to provide users with the tools they need to stay safe in emergencies, no matter where they are. With Emergency SOS via satellite and Find My via satellite, Apple is making it easier for users to stay connected and informed, even when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is not available.