iPhone News - Newsroom

QUICK READ November 15, 2023

Apple extends Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional free year for existing iPhone 14 users

Since its launch a year ago, this groundbreaking service has made a significant impact around the world

One year ago today, Apple’s groundbreaking safety service Emergency SOS via satellite became available on all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. and Canada. Now also available on the iPhone 15 lineup in 16 countries and regions, this innovative technology — which enables users to text with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage — has already made a significant impact, contributing to many lives being saved. Apple today announced it is extending free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 users.¹

“Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From aman who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free.”

Building on this satellite infrastructure, Apple recently introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite to connect users to AAA if they have car trouble while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.²Other safety capabilities that can provide assistance when it matters most include:

Users can open the Find My app and share their location via satellite to reassure friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid.
Crash Detection can detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services if a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone.
Check In allows users to automatically notify friends and family when they have made it to their destination safely.³
Users can set up their Medical ID in the Health app to help first responders access critical medical information from the Lock Screen without needing a passcode.

The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Emergency SOS via satellite prior to 12 a.m. PT on November 15, 2023. For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426.
Roadside Assistance via satellite is available in the U.S., in partnership with AAA, and is included for free for two years, starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max. This satellite service requires iOS 17. There may be associated costs for certain roadside assistance services provided by AAA. iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 users who are not AAA members can take advantage of Roadside Assistance via satellite on a pay-per-use basis for AAA’s roadside assistance services.
Check In is available on iOS 17 or later.

Text of this article
November 15, 2023

UPDATE

Apple extends Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional free year for existing iPhone 14 users

Since its launch a year ago, this groundbreaking service has made a significant impact around the world

One year ago today, Apple’s groundbreaking safety service Emergency SOS via satellite became available on all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. and Canada. Now also available on the iPhone 15 lineup in 16 countries and regions, this innovative technology — which enables users to text with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage — has already made a significant impact, contributing to many lives being saved. Apple today announced it is extending free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 users.¹

“Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From aman who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles, to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free.”

Building on this satellite infrastructure, Apple recently introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite to connect users to AAA if they have car trouble while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.²Other safety capabilities that can provide assistance when it matters most include:
- Users can open the Find My app and share their location via satellite to reassure friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid.
- Crash Detection can detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services if a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone.
- Check In allows users to automatically notify friends and family when they have made it to their destination safely.³
- Users can set up their Medical ID in the Health app to help first responders access critical medical information from the Lock Screen without needing a passcode.
1. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Emergency SOS via satellite prior to 12 a.m. PT on November 15, 2023. For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426.
2. Roadside Assistance via satellite is available in the U.S., in partnership with AAA, and is included for free for two years, starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max. This satellite service requires iOS 17. There may be associated costs for certain roadside assistance services provided by AAA. iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 users who are not AAA members can take advantage of Roadside Assistance via satellite on a pay-per-use basis for AAA’s roadside assistance services.
3. Check In is available on iOS 17 or later.
Copy text

PHOTOS

New iPhone photography exhibition debuts in Paris on November 10

November 9, 2023

PHOTOS

Behind the scenes at Scary Fast: Apple’s keynote event shot on iPhone

October 31, 2023

UPDATE

iOS 17 is available today

September 18, 2023

UPDATE

Apple offers more ways to order the all-new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch lineups

September 14, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Apple debuts iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

September 12, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Apple unveils iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

September 12, 2023

QUICK READ June 20, 2023

Apple expands Self Service Repair and updates System Configuration process

Today Apple announced Self Service Repair will be available June 21 for the iPhone 14 lineup and additional Mac models, including the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro powered by M2. Since April 2022, Self Service Repair has given anyone with experience repairing electronic devices access to the same manuals, genuine Apple parts, and tools used at Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

Apple will also make the System Configuration process used for iPhone repairs, such as displays, batteries, and cameras, even easier to use. System Configuration is a postrepair software tool that ensures repairs with genuine Apple parts — designed and tested to internationally recognized standards — were completed correctly, and the parts are working properly. The tool is available for free to all Self Service Repair users and participating service providers in Apple repair programs.

Running System Configuration after a repair authenticates genuine Apple parts, updates firmware, and calibrates parts to ensure maximum performance and quality. Additionally, for repairs involving biometric authentication, such as Touch ID or Face ID, System Configuration links the biometric sensors to the Secure Enclave on the logic board to ensure device security and customer privacy.

Self Service Repair users can now initiate System Configuration by placing their devices into Diagnostics mode and following onscreen prompts. Users no longer need to contact the Self Service Repair support team to run the final step of a repair, but the team will still be available to assist as needed.

Self Service Repair will also be available for the True Depth camera and top speaker for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups — as well as Mac desktops with M1 — in the U.S., Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.

Self Service Repair is part of Apple’s efforts to expand access to repairs. Widespread repair access plays an important role in extending products’ longevity, which is good for users and good for the planet. For the vast majority of users who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional authorized repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.

Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, including more than 4,500 Independent Repair Providers. A global network of more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers supports more than 100,000 active technicians.

iPhone

Apple extends Emergency SOS via satellite for an additional free year for existing iPhone 14 users

Press Contacts

Apple expands Self Service Repair and updates System Configuration process

Press Contact

Image Gallery