Get an Extra Year of Free Emergency SOS Services with Your iPhone 14 from Apple

iPhone 14 and 15 buyers will continue to receive Apple’s satellite-powered Emergency SOS safety feature for free. In an announcement, Apple revealed that it is extending the complimentary phase of Emergency SOS for an additional year for iPhone 14 owners. This means that both iPhone generations will have the service available until November 2025.

Emergency SOS allows users to reach emergency services through a satellite connection in areas with no Wi-Fi or regular cellular signals. Apple states that the feature has played a pivotal role in saving lives globally.

According to Apple’s Kaiann Drance, Emergency SOS has resulted in numerous instances of customers connecting with emergency responders in situations where it would have been otherwise impossible. This includes scenarios such as a man rescued after his car fell over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy.

The extension of Emergency SOS via satellite is applicable to iPhone 14 buyers who activated their device before 12AM PT on November 15th.

Apple may have delayed implementing a subscription fee for the added peace of mind from Emergency SOS due to the absence of a consumer-friendly price. This extension allows Apple more time to develop a sustainable subscription rate that aligns with its services business.

Qualcomm’s attempt to introduce satellite-based emergency services for Android, known as Snapdragon Satellite, was unsuccessful. The termination of their partnership with Iridium reflects a lack of interest from smartphone manufacturers. This positions Apple without a direct competitor for the time being, providing the company with additional time to deliberate the pricing of Emergency SOS.

Additionally, Apple has recently introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite, which further showcases the company’s commitment to providing safety features for its users.