iPhone 14 introduces Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite

Apple announced the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus overnight, featuring two sizes (6.1″ and 6.7″) in the company’s signature sophisticated design — with significant new safety capabilities that can provide emergency assistance when it matters most.

With a dual-core accelerometer capable of detecting g-force measurements of up to 256g and a high dynamic range gyroscope, Crash Detection on iPhone can now detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services when a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone. These capabilities build on existing components, like the barometer, which can now detect cabin pressure changes, the GPS for additional input for speed changes, and the microphone, which can recognise loud noises typified by severe car crashes. Apple-designed motion algorithms, trained with over a million hours of real-world driving and crash record data, are claimed to provide even higher accuracy.

When combined with Apple Watch, Crash Detection is designed to leverage the strength of both devices to get users help efficiently. When a severe crash is detected, the emergency services call interface will appear on Apple Watch, as it is most likely to be in closer proximity to the user, while the call is placed through iPhone if it is in range for the best possible connection.

More significantly, the iPhone 14 line-up introduces Emergency SOS via satellite, which combines custom components deeply integrated with software to allow antennas to connect directly to a satellite, enabling messaging with emergency services when outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Since every second counts, iPhone will front-load a few vital questions to assess the user’s situation, and show them where to point their phone to connect to a satellite. The initial questionnaire and follow-up messages are then relayed to centres staffed by Apple‑trained specialists who can call for help on the user’s behalf. This technology also allows users to manually share their location over satellite with Find My when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi connection, providing a sense of security when hiking or camping off the grid.

Other highlights include water and dust resistance — useful for lone workers deployed to harsh environments — and real-time connectivity with 5G. Support for 5G on iPhone now extends to over 250 carrier partners in over 70 markets around the world, with expanded support for standalone networks.

Emergency SOS via satellite will be available to users in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and Canada following an iOS 16 software update coming in November. International travellers who visit the US and Canada will also be able to use the service, except if they bought their phone in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao. The service will be free for two years.

Images courtesy of Apple.