One of the best features of the iPhone 14 is its ability to connect to satellites for emergency services. It was first rolled out to a few countries, but Apple is now ready to expand it to two more locations: Australia and New Zealand.
Apple’s emergency satellite connectivity for iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models running iOS 16.1 or later was confirmed in September last year. After the company launched it in November, it is now expanding to more countries, giving us a total of 14 locations where the function can be accessed: United States, United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand.
During the announcement of the feature, Apple promised that it would be free of charge for two years for those getting or activating an iPhone 14. And given the feature was released a little late in Australia and New Zealand, the free trial period for users in these locations starts from the service availability date. However, now that it is getting more expansion and some of the first iPhone 14 devices getting near the end of their two-year free period, there are still no words from Apple about how much the service would actually cost.
If you are one of those lucky users who already have access to this feature, it can be activated when you go to a place without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, and your location will be updated via satellite every 15 minutes. For someone to receive this information, nonetheless, note that a specific individual or group of people should already have access to your location (via the Find My app) before you step outside the cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Another condition that should be met includes a spot with a clear view of the sky and the horizon, as it won’t work under heavy foliage or when you are surrounded by other obstructions. Using your Find My app, you might be asked to turn left or right to connect to a satellite, which might take minutes. Just follow the guidance you’ll receive until the message is sent.
And while it is a requirement to have an iPhone 14 to access this feature, recipients of this location info sent via satellite can use any iPhone model as long as it runs iOS 16.1 or later. If the transfer of location is successful, the most recent location detail you’ll send will be available to their devices for up to seven days.
