Apple recently released iOS 16.3.1, a new version of iOS that fixes, among other things, the functioning of accident detection. Emergency services complained that it reported too many “false accidents”, but the truth is that this function can save lives, as in the case of this accident that occurred in Germany.
One of the most acclaimed features of the iPhone 14 during its release was accident detection. In the event of any disaster, our own iPhone would automatically alert the emergency services. This feature is also active on the Apple Watch Series 8, a device that has managed to save the lives of three people in Germany.
The car in which the victims were riding fell down a 20-meter-deep embankment, reports German media outlet Mittelbayerische Zeitung. The accident occurred last Monday and has been echoed thanks to the role played by the Apple smartwatch. According to initial investigations, the car “left the lane to the right, crossed a green strip and catapulted over the guardrail“.
The three passengers were “trapped in the wreckage” and that’s when the Apple Watch Series 8 went into action. Accident detection immediately alerted the emergency services and allowed both police and firefighters to be on the scene almost immediately. According to initial reports, the driver suffered minor injuries, while the two passengers had a more serious prognosis. All three victims were taken to the nearest hospital.
How does accident detection work?
The Apple Watch Series 8’s accident detection is designed to “detect front, side and rear impacts, as well as rollovers, involving sedans, vans, SUVs, pickup trucks and other passenger cars,” as we can read on Apple’s website. The watch accurately informed rescue services of the location so that police, firefighters and ambulances could be on the scene as soon as possible.
With the new iOS 16.3.1 update, Apple has improved the collision detection algorithm. Stories like the one of these German guys are a good example of the importance of these features, which should be continuously improved.
