Satellite-enabled Emergency SOS functionality introduced on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, courtesy of Apple's $450 million investment in the US's communication infrastructure.
Apple's latest innovation, the Emergency SOS via satellite service on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro lineups, is set to revolutionise emergency response. This groundbreaking feature, made possible by a $450 million investment from Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Fund, will allow iPhone users to connect directly to a satellite, enabling messaging with emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
When an Emergency SOS request is initiated, the message is received by one of Globalstar's 24 satellites in low-earth orbit, travelling at speeds of approximately 16,000 mph. The message is then sent down to custom ground stations located at key points all over the world. Several antennas at each ground station communicate with the satellites and relay the user's information to emergency services.
The service utilises the spectrum in L and S bands specially designated for mobile satellite services by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations. Apple's investment provides critical enhancements to Globalstar's satellite network and ground stations, ensuring the continuation of the emergency services.
The new high-power antennas, designed and manufactured by Cobham Satcom in Concord, California, have been installed in all Globalstar ground stations, including new ones in Nevada and Hawaii, and existing ones in Texas, Alaska, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
This investment is part of Apple's broader commitment to the US. In 2021, Apple announced plans to make new contributions of more than $430 billion over a five-year period in the US. The company's investment in the Emergency SOS via satellite service is a significant portion of this, with the majority of the funding going to Globalstar, a global satellite service headquartered in Covington, Louisiana.
The service will be available to customers in the US and Canada beginning later this month. For press inquiries, the Apple Media Helpline is available at media.help@our website. The iPhone 14 lineup, featuring advanced camera systems, all-day battery life, and industry-leading durability features, connects to the satellite network through the mobile satellite services spectrum, which Globalstar has operated in the US for the past 20 years.
Moreover, customers can save up to $1,000 with trade-in when they upgrade to the iPhone 14 lineup and activate their device with select US carriers. The service is yet another testament to Apple's commitment to innovation and ensuring the safety of its users.
