Apple has announced that it will be extending the free phase of Emergency SOS for an additional year for iPhone 14 owners. This means that both iPhone 14 and 15 buyers won’t need to pay for Apple’s satellite-powered Emergency SOS safety feature for the foreseeable future. The service will now lapse at the same time for both iPhone generations in November 2025.
The Emergency SOS feature allows users to reach emergency services via a satellite connection in areas where Wi-Fi or a regular cellular signal are not available. This feature has been lauded for its ability to potentially save lives in remote or emergency situations when traditional communication services are not accessible. In fact, there have been numerous stories of individuals being able to connect with emergency responders in situations where they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do so.
Apple’s Kaiann Drance highlighted some of these stories in a press release, including a man who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, as well as lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy.
This extension of Emergency SOS via satellite will be applicable to iPhone 14 buyers who activated their devices before 12AM PT on November 15th. The decision to extend the free phase of this feature for an additional year may be in part due to Apple’s efforts to come up with a subscription price that consumers would be willing to pay over the long term for the added peace of mind. This extension provides Apple with more time to deliberate and find a rate that could further benefit the company’s services business.
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It is notable that Qualcomm attempted to build out its own satellite-based emergency services for Android, but its Snapdragon Satellite effort failed to launch due to very low interest from smartphone manufacturers. Last week, the satellite communications company Iridium shared that Qualcomm had “elected to terminate” their partnership. This development means that Apple won’t have to worry about a rival offering from Android competitors in the short term and can take its time deliberating a price for Emergency SOS.
In addition, the company recently introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite, which can connect users to AAA if they encounter car issues such as a flat tire when outside cellular coverage. This expansion of satellite-based services demonstrates Apple’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance the safety and security of its users.
Overall, the decision to extend the free phase of Emergency SOS for iPhone 14 owners is a positive step that demonstrates Apple’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its customers. As technology continues to evolve, it is important for companies like Apple to prioritize features that provide added security and support in emergency situations. This extension provides iPhone users with peace of mind, knowing that they have access to potentially life-saving emergency services in areas without traditional communication infrastructure.
