UK iPhone users warned not to use ‘lifesaving’ new feature except in emergencies

Posted on : December 13, 2022
UK iPhone users warned not to use ‘lifesaving’ new feature except in emergencies

UK iPhone users just got a lot safer—thanks to a free new Emergency SOS update from Apple.

The tool makes it possible for you to get in touch with emergency services if you're ever in an accident, even in locations where there's no mobile signal.

Emergency SOS connects your iPhone directly to a satellite in space, which is able to quickly reach the nearest emergency responders.

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It's available now in the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany as of today on all iPhone 14s running iOS 16.1 or above.

However, you shouldn't use the feature unless you absolutely have to, as this could waste vital time for ambulances and police.

Instead, you can test it out using a demo feature on the iPhone. Apple says:

"To learn how Emergency SOS via satellite works, try the demo.

"You need to be outside, on relatively open terrain, with a clear view of the sky. Trees with light foliage might slow down the connection and dense foliage might block it.

"Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also block the connection."

To try it out, open the Settings app, tap Emergency SOS, find Emergency SOS via Satellite, then hit 'Try demo'.

It will show you exactly how the feature works without actually ringing for help.

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To use the feature in a real life setting, you'll need to try call 999 somewhere with no phone or WiFi coverage, and you'll get the option to 'Send an Emergency Text via Satellite'.

This will notify your emergency contacts as well as local emergency services.

Until now, the life-saving tool has only been available in North America, where it has already helped people in remote areas out of some serious scrapes.

Earlier this month, for example, a man stranded on a snowmobile in a remote region of Alaska was able to call for help using the Emergency SOS tool.

It won't work in countries that don't yet support the tool, so don't rely on it if you're travelling abroad.

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