iPhone 14’s new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature saves man’s life in Alaska

Apple launched its latest iPhone 14 smartphone series a couple of months ago. The Cupertino-based tech giant also revealed several new features that were included in the new iPhone lineup at this event. Amongst these features, Apple also introduced the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. This feature helps iPhone 14 users contact emergency services using satellite connectivity when no or poor cellular or WiFi connection is available.
The company recently rolled out support for this feature in North America with the iOS 16.1 update. Apple is also expected to expand the support for this feature to more countries including — Germany, Ireland, France and the UK. The company will allow iPhone 14 users to access this feature for two years without any cost. However, Apple has not yet announced the feature’s pricing details when it will be transformed into a paid service.
According to a report by MacRumors, this new iPhone 14 feature was tested by a user who was stranded in a rural area in Alaska. This feature has reportedly helped the man to save his life by contacting emergency services.

How did this feature help the iPhone user
As per the report, the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature alerted the Alaska State Troopers about a man being stranded. The iPhone 14 user was travelling from Noorvik to Kotzebue by snow machine.
The man was stranded in a cold and remote location with no connectivity. To get help, he activated the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on his ‌iPhone 14‌ to alert authorities.
Apple’s Emergency Response Center not only collaborated with the local search and rescue teams but also alerted the Northwest Arctic Borough Search and Rescue Coordinator to send out volunteer searchers. These rescue teams were sent directly to the GPS coordinates that were relayed to Apple using the emergency function.
How did the rescue mission go
The report mentions that the man was rescued successfully without any injuries. Apple claims that the satellite connectivity might not work properly in places above 62° latitude, which includes northern parts of Canada and Alaska.
However, the place from where the man was rescued is a very remote location and is on the edge of where satellite connectivity is available. Noorvik and Kotzebue are close to 69° latitude.
Rescue teams’ reactions to the new Apple feature
Apple’s new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is designed to ask multiple questions to the users before it sends out an alert to the rescue teams. The troopers who helped were involved in the rescue mission were also reportedly impressed with the “accuracy and completeness of information included in the initial alert.”