Satellite support could be coming to some iPhones with the next iOS update

Apple has been making big noises recently about how its tech products can save your life. The Apple Watch 7 had this unsettling ad of a robotic voice putting in a 911 call for a real-life user who had collapsed, although there was no confirmation that they actually lived, and Apple has also been talking about the satellite tech coming to iPhones. It now looks like satellite compatibility is coming to iPhones sooner than we thought as iPhone 14 users may get it with the next iOS update. Let’s check it out.

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According to a report by MacRumors, Apple will launch the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that it has built into all four models of the iPhone 14 as early as this month.

Apple has not released a specific launch date but has stated clearly in a support document that it “will be available with an iOS 16 software update coming in November 2022.” Thanks to the report by MacRumors we can assume that this means the update will be included in iOS 16.1.1, which Apple is already testing.

The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature offers users the ability to call in emergency assistance even when they have no cell service. Users can use the service, which will then direct them to a nearby area that enjoys satellite coverage and then ask for and send their details to emergency services.

The feature will be free to users for the first two years after launch at least, but Apple has said that it is planning to charge for the feature at some point. It will be available in the US and Canada at launch but Apple has also said it will roll out to other by the end of next year. For full information on how to use the feature, you should check out the support document.

In other iOS 16 news, It looks as though Apple is working on an update for Siri that will make it easier to get the virtual assistant’s attention.