Has anyone ever used the emergency iPhone feature that allows emergency-only texting via satellite? It is a newer feature available on iPhone 14 & 15. Just wondering how it worked for you. Thanks. (I did a search for this but came up empty)
Iphone Sat-phone feature?
- Thread starter Bill Ernst
- Start date
I would suspect that feature must be enabled by the specific plan that the user has purchased prior to attempting a connection and could not be enabled directly from the phone to a satellite on a whim or unexpected emergency. But that is just my biased anti Apple opinion and has no true substance other than that.
The feature is free for two years after phone activation. The iPhone 14 hasn’t been out for 2 years yet so it’s unclear whether they’ll extend the offer (they already did once) or what the ongoing pricing might be.
It is pretty well locked to emergency use only - it’ll contact emergency services via text message and send a transcript to your emergency contact. The only less-emergency capability is that you can share your location with pre-defined friends and family.
I have an iPhone 14 but haven’t had occasion to use the feature. There is a “demo” capability; maybe I’ll try that later today when I can go outside.
I tried the demo. It worked as expected in my backyard. The initial satellite connection happened within about 10 seconds. The phone said to stay pointed at the satellite, with a little direction finder that seemed to require staying within about a 90 degree horizontal arc. The demo gave simulated prompts like “where are you located” and “what’s the emergency.” Each response sent in about 20-30 seconds.
I hadn't heard about this feature. Sounds like another safety feature to have when cruising off shore away from cell towers.
We have 13's. I'll need to put new iPhones on our prep list for cruising.
We have 13's. I'll need to put new iPhones on our prep list for cruising.
Now here's a fun request - I'd like to see this test done around 2000nm from any coast line.
I only say this given my experience with how Starlink connected when far from shore....
dj
That’s a very good question. Reports are that it uses the Globalstar satellite network, and there are coverage descriptions for that at Globalstar Network [Coverage Maps] | Satmodo Store. But Apple themselves don’t give a map and they only enumerate land areas in their support info at Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support
Realistically, I don't see off shore cruising in my future. Hopefully near shore cruising where we should have cell service. Maybe an offshore jump to Block Island where I would expect to lose cell service.
Then, since I'll have my cell phone with me anyway, the emergency sat phone service may give an added element of safety.
Then, since I'll have my cell phone with me anyway, the emergency sat phone service may give an added element of safety.
Looking at the network coverages in both links - it is certainly not an off-shore service. Large holes of coverage in all the oceans. Should work for near-shore or coastal cruising.
Of course, that is the majority of usage. But looking at the cost of that iphone - it sure seems to me there are better options. Now, if you have that iphone anyway, that's a nice added service...
dj
iPhone 14 or 15!!!!!!
SHEEEEEEET….. I’m still using my 7
SHEEEEEEET….. I’m still using my 7
Thanks for all the replies. I am planning a trip to Isle Royale soon, and was wondering if this emergency service option worked. We lose cell service after about 20 miles from the mainland. I know the Park Service has SAT phones on the island, but to use them you have to be on the island. (As Capt. Ron says, 'If it's gonna happen, it'll happen out there')
Can't tell you how it works, but I just got a new Google Pixel and it also has this feature. No ocean testing yet ...
dj
Hello,
There have been lots of stories in the press about people using the satellite texting capabilities after the recent hurricanes. With power outages and lots of downed infrastructure, the sat texting was able to work. Do some googling and you'll find articles from the WSJ, NYT and others.
Personally I have a Garmin Inreach that I am very happy with. It's a plotter and communicator in one.
barry
There have been lots of stories in the press about people using the satellite texting capabilities after the recent hurricanes. With power outages and lots of downed infrastructure, the sat texting was able to work. Do some googling and you'll find articles from the WSJ, NYT and others.
Personally I have a Garmin Inreach that I am very happy with. It's a plotter and communicator in one.
barry
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,076
Apple is all about "Cool" features. This is another new one.
While upgrading is always an opportunity, I do not bet my life and the crew of my boat on a new technology. If you want to be sure to call for help when you really need it, then it is important to have the tools that perform, not the ones just being introduced.
By now, I can guess that the battery in your 10 iPhone is showing its age. Add to that the fact that cell service providers are moving towards 5G service. Those issues make it sensible to consider an upgrade. Know that the next step, already announced, is AI for phones.
It can get expensive trying to keep up.
While we use cell phones and laptops/pads to support our sailing habits because they are convenient, we still have responsibility for the safety of our boats and the crew aboard. Consider all the systems you have aboard and know their capabilities, both strengths and weaknesses. Support the strengths and limit the weaknesses.
Stay Safe.
While upgrading is always an opportunity, I do not bet my life and the crew of my boat on a new technology. If you want to be sure to call for help when you really need it, then it is important to have the tools that perform, not the ones just being introduced.
By now, I can guess that the battery in your 10 iPhone is showing its age. Add to that the fact that cell service providers are moving towards 5G service. Those issues make it sensible to consider an upgrade. Know that the next step, already announced, is AI for phones.
It can get expensive trying to keep up.
While we use cell phones and laptops/pads to support our sailing habits because they are convenient, we still have responsibility for the safety of our boats and the crew aboard. Consider all the systems you have aboard and know their capabilities, both strengths and weaknesses. Support the strengths and limit the weaknesses.
Stay Safe.