The iPhone 14 range has made quite a stir since arriving just a few months ago. We've seen the Dynamic Island come to life on the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the iPhone 14 Plus got slated for replacing the iPhone 13 Mini, and now, Covid-19 outbreaks at one of the largest iPhone manufacturing facilities mean you may miss out on getting one altogether.
But for those with an iPhone 14, or those who are determined to get their hands on one, there is good news. Apple is releasing a brand new feature which could save many lives, and they've now confirmed that the update is coming to the UK and parts of Europe in December.
Last week, I wrote about Emergency SOS via Satellite. This revolutionary feature is has just rolled out to iPhone 14 users in the USA and Canada, and Apple has confirmed that users in France, Germany, Ireland and the UK will also get the feature from next month.
That's not only a fantastic new feature, but it's one that could save your life.
How does Emergency SOS via Satellite work?
Emergency SOS via Satellite enables iPhone 14 users to send a distress signal, even when outside of usual cellular networks. That means if you're stranded on a mountain, or your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you can get help. The feature even shares your location and Medical ID with the emergency services, to make sure you get the help you need.
To operate it, you make a call to the local emergency services number, as you normally would. If that call fails because of insufficient signal strength, the phone will give you the option to send an emergency text.
You'll need to select the option that best applies to you from Vehicle Issue, Sickness or Injury, Crime, Lost or Trapped, and Fire. Once selected, the phone displays a radar screen which will direct you towards your nearest satellite, turning green to indicate you're in the correct position.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Once in place, the message will send in as little as 15 seconds, and responses will come through to keep you updated. Apple has worked some magic on their compression algorithm to keep the messages as small as possible, making them quicker to send.
I'm not one to gush over gimmicky new features, but this is genuinely brilliant. If I'm spending around £1,000 on a phone, I want it to be equipped with features that can help me in situations where I would otherwise be left short. There is no greater example of that that a feature which could save your life.
It's a phenomenal incentive to upgrade to the latest model. When considering what makes the best iPhone, we can argue day and night about cameras and operating systems, but features like this will make a much more meaningful difference when you find yourself in the kind of situation where you need to use it. I imagine it will pair brilliantly with the Apple Watch Ultra, too, for those who like to explore extreme environments.
In short, it doesn't matter if you're up the creek without a paddle, as long as you're with your iPhone 14.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Google Pixel Tablet 2 sounds like an iPad killer – shame it's been cancelled
The Google Pixel Tablet 2 is reportedly no more
By Chris Hall Published
-
SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell review: a well-built video doorbell that ticks many boxes
This smart doorbell from Swann promises top-tier security with innovative features, but does it live up to the performance of well-established rivals like Ring?
By Lee Bell Published
-
Apple Intelligence's new features are imminent and actually really useful
Hey Siri, write a news story for T3 about Apple Intelligence... erm
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
I use Apple's best AirPods daily – and the price just dropped in 5-star deal
With nearly $100 off, this AirPods Pro 2 Black Friday deal is too good to miss
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
The iPad just dropped to its lowest-ever price – this is a 5-star Apple deal
You can get your hands on Apple's entry-level tablet for just over $250
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple should make a Fire TV Stick rival not its own TV, says expert
And we agree...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Smarter Siri still planned for iPhone, but there's a catch
There's a brand new Siri coming to your iPhone, but you're going to have to wait a while longer
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
As most phones get bigger, iPhone 17 is set to shrink one major Apple feature
The Dynamic Island looks set to lose some territory
By Sam Cross Published
-
Your older iPhone is about to lose an essential feature forever
If you don't have a modern iPhone, it may be time to upgrade
By Sam Cross Published
-
iPhone 17 Slim tipped to be the thinnest iPhone Apple’s ever made
Could make the iPhone 16 look massive
By Carrie Marshall Published