Apple launches satellite emergency call service in Switzerland: what you need to know

Today, Friday, Apple’s satellite emergency call service for iPhone users in Switzerland will be activated, as the company announced in advance.

The time was not chosen by chance. With the iPhone 15 and Co. the second iPhone generation is now on offer “Emergency call SOS via satellite” checked. This is what Apple calls the innovative feature that no other smartphone manufacturer offers in a similar form.

Why is this important for iPhone and Android users?

Imagine that you are in an area without cell service and there is a medical emergency or other threatening situation that requires the quick intervention of professional responders. If you have a newer iPhone, you can get instant help through the built-in SOS satellite service. You can also share your location with third parties and notify predetermined contacts.

The potentially life-saving feature is now available in Switzerland and all neighboring countries, as well as in other European countries and beyond (see below).

Knowledge about the function is also important for non-iPhone users: in a precarious situation, only one person present needs to have an iPhone to be able to quickly ask for help.

Which iPhone models does this work with?

With all 2022 and 2023 models:

What software is required?

The new iPhone operating system iOS 17.

Apple explains:

If an emergency is reported, family members and/or friends can also be notified automatically:

In which countries is “Emergency SOS via satellite” now available?

In the following European countries:

Also in North America and “Down Under”:

How does such an “emergency call” work?

If a traditional connection is not available with the iPhone to make an emergency call, the availability of the Satellite SOS service will be displayed.

Then – before you make the actual emergency call via the messaging app – you must first answer a number of important questions, which are then sent to the coordinators (of the emergency services) in the first message. The aim is for them to quickly get an idea of ​​the situation and location of those requesting help.

After answering the questions, the interface shows where to point the device to connect and sends the first message.

This message contains the user’s details of the previously answered questions about the emergency, the location of the iPhone including altitude, the battery level of the device and the emergency pass, if activated (see below).

Apple works with the American satellite service provider Globalstar, which operates worldwide. When iPhone users make a distress call via satellite, the text message is received by one of the satellites in low Earth orbit and sent to a ground station.

When the message arrives at a ground station, it is forwarded to an emergency call center that can dispatch emergency services, or to Apple-trained emergency response specialists if the nearest emergency call center cannot receive text messages.

Important to know: Only text messages can be sent, so you cannot call the emergency center.

How to share location via satellite?

With the Apple app “Where is?” pre-installed on iPhones? You can share your location via satellite if no mobile or WiFi connection is available.

To see a friend’s location sent via satellite, your iPhone must have iOS 16.1 (or later) installed, Apple Support explains. This is also possible with older iPhones!

Your own location can be sent via satellite once every 15 minutes to the contacts you have set up in the ‘Where is?’ app. However, the friend’s location will not be displayed in the app as long as the connection is via satellite only.

How does the satellite emergency call service work?

That is a long story. 😅

What does this have to do with the iPhone emergency pass?

If you encounter an emergency and need to use “Emergency SOS via Satellite”, the emergency pass can be shared and you can automatically notify the specified emergency contacts (on iPhone). This requires the data to be entered in advance before you are in a location without cell phone and WiFi coverage.

You can read how iPhone users set up their emergency pass with medically relevant information (such as blood type, diseases and allergies) here at Apple Support.

Can you try the satellite emergency call (without stress)?

Yes, this is possible via the iPhone settings.

What can disrupt the satellite connection?

Remember that there must be a direct connection to the sky above you or to the satellites orbiting the Earth. Therefore, according to Apple:

Good to know: The connection is maintained automatically when the iPhone screen is locked.

How much is it?

Nothing for now.

According to Apple, the SOS satellite service is free for iPhone users for two years. Additionally, the company hasn’t said how much it plans to charge or whether it will ever charge for access.

What about roadside assistance by satellite car?

The “satellite roadside assistance” launched with iOS 17 is currently only available in the US. According to Apple, it is free for two years after activation of an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro.

Sources