Apple now provides iPhone 14 owners with a free one-year satellite-based Emergency SOS extension

In a move to prioritise user safety, Apple has announced an extension of its free Emergency SOS services for iPhone 14 owners. This means that those who own the latest iPhone will enjoy an additional year of this satellite-powered safety feature without any extra charges. The extension aligns the service expiration for both the iPhone 14 and 15 generations, now set for November 2025.

Free Emergency SOS services

Apple's Emergency SOS feature, utilising satellite connections, allows users to reach emergency services in areas where Wi-Fi or regular cellular signals may be unavailable. This extension of the free phase for iPhone 14 users is a testament to Apple's commitment to user safety. The company emphasises that this feature has played a vital role in saving lives globally.

Where will it be available?

Apple first provided free access to Emergency SOS via satellite for two years following the activation of a new iPhone 14, and now it has announced that it is extending free access for an additional year to current iPhone 14 users in these countries.

The Emergency SOS via satellite is available in a total of 17 countries, including the US and Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia.

Stories of rescues

Highlighting the real-world impact of Emergency SOS, Apple's Kaiann Drance shared stories of individuals rescued in critical situations.

From a car rescue over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles to locating lost hikers in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, the feature has proven instrumental in connecting users with emergency responders when traditional communication methods were not feasible.

Conditions for extension

The extension applies to iPhone 14 buyers who activated their devices before 12 AM PT on 15th November 2023. This move also suggests that Apple might still be exploring the most suitable subscription price for long-term use, giving them more time to devise a plan that benefits both.

What are the benefits?

Extended safety: Users gain an additional year of free Emergency SOS services, enhancing their safety net in critical situations.

Unified expiration: Aligning the service expiration for iPhone 14 and 15 ensures a consistent experience for users across different iPhone generations.

Subscription consideration: Apple's extension provides them with more time to determine a subscription price that balances user affordability and benefits the company's services business.

Apple's Roadside Assistance

While Qualcomm's attempt at satellite-based emergency services for Android faced challenges, Apple's uninterrupted provision of Emergency SOS offers a distinct advantage. With a longer runway to refine its subscription model, Apple can ensure users continue to experience enhanced safety features.

Additionally, the recent introduction of Roadside Assistance via satellite demonstrates Apple's ongoing commitment to user well-being in various situations, such as car issues outside of cellular coverage.