Activating emergency SOS on your iPhone

Apple launches 911 alternative for remote areas Toronto cyber and tech analyst Ritesh Kotak talks about Apple’s launch of an emergency system for areas without 911 service.

Emergencies can happen at any time and if you have an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro and the latest operating system, you now have more options available to get help.

“You could be in a remote area that doesn’t have any cellular connectivity and this new system will certainly help,” said Ritesh Kotak, cybersecurity and tech analyst.

“This is when the satellite emergency-based system kicks in. You will get a prompt saying, ‘do you want to connect with 911 and satellite-based SOS?’”

Kotak said you essentially send text messages to the 911 relay centre, which will alert crews on the ground.

“No longer having connectivity is no longer an issue. And those services at this point are only available in North America.”

There is a way for users to demo this service, Kotak said, without calling 911.

“It will interesting to see in a few months the data on how many were able to use this service. At the end of the day, you do need direct access to the satellites. However, I tried this indoors and was able to connect.”

Kotak added this emergency SOS system using satellites is not available on older model iPhones or Android devices.

However, he added if you have an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro, the service is compatible with Apple Watch.