Apple’s satellite service for the iPhone has started – what Swiss users need to know

Apple launched its new satellite emergency calling service for the iPhone on Tuesday. First, the feature, designed to help people in areas without cellular connectivity, is only available in North America. But soon it will be the turn of the first countries in Europe. This article focuses on the most important questions and answers about the technology, which is not available from any smartphone manufacturer.

Why is that important?

Imagine walking in a remote area (with no cell service) and encountering a medical emergency. If you have an iPhone 14 with you, you can immediately alert the emergency services and request help via the built-in SOS satellite service. You can also share your own location with third parties.

In this country that is still a dream for the future. But Apple is most likely already in the process of launching the new lifeguard service in many countries. In addition, Swiss iPhone users can also use the service if they travel to a region where it is already officially available (more on that below).

How does it work?

The satellite SOS service is built into all new iPhones (from 2022). It’s very easy to use. If you want to make an emergency call and you are not connected, the option is automatically offered to alert the emergency services with a text message sent via satellite.

Except in emergency situations, the iPhone’s built-in satellite connection can be used to share location with third parties via the “Where is?” app.

A window at the top of the iPhone’s screen shows satellite connection and message status.

Since only text messages can be sent via Apple’s satellite service and direct inquiries from the emergency center are not possible, it is important to put all relevant information in the correct message.

Apple has worked with 911 experts to make it as easy as possible to collect the necessary information on the iPhone. As a user, you only need to answer a few questions by pressing the appropriate buttons, and that’s it.

After that, the iPhone’s UI shows you how to align the device to establish a connection, and then sends the first message.

In addition to the information from the short questions (described above), the iPhone’s location (GPS coordinates) and battery status are sent. And the emergency pass will also be sent if the function is activated.

If the responsible alarm center (according to the location of the user) cannot process text messages, so-called relay centers are used, which act as intermediaries between the users and the alarm center.

Where is the satellite SOS feature for iPhone?

Apple’s satellite SOS service is currently available in the United States (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and Canada.

Important: The emergency service is also available to people visiting the US and Canada unless they bought their iPhone 14 in China, Hong Kong or Macau.

Which countries follow?

According to Apple’s announcement on Tuesday, the service should also be available “in December.” in Germany, France, Great Britain and Ireland be available. The exact launch date has not yet been announced.

When is this in Switzerland?

This is not public knowledge.

Which satellite network operator does Apple work with?

With the American company Globalstar, headquartered in Covington, Louisiana.

Apple says it is investing $450 million to significantly improve Globalstar’s satellite network and ground stations. At Globalstar, more than 300 employees are working on the new service.

The ground stations use new high-performance antennas designed specifically for Apple and manufactured by California-based Cobham Satcom.

How high do these satellites fly?

The new Apple service uses the network of Globalstar satellites in low orbit.

They are so-called LION-Satellites, the abbreviation stands for Low Earth orbiti.e. a low Earth orbit with an altitude of about 2000 kilometers.

What are the technical requirements on the user side?

“Satellite Emergency SOS” requires an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max and a clear view of the sky.

Apple support writes:

How sensitive is the satellite service?

That remains to be seen.

The first practical experiences and reviews from North America (on YouTube) are now available.

How fast is the service?

Apple has integrated a text compression algorithm into the system that is said to reduce the average size of messages by 300 percent.

If the external conditions are right, messages can be sent in just 15 seconds, according to Apple.

A CNET journalist who was able to try out the service at Apple Park says the connection was established in 20 to 30 seconds “despite a cloudy, rainy day.” However, it may take a minute or more, especially with light-colored foliage.

What about privacy and data security?

The user data is sent encrypted.

Apple support explains that the data is then decrypted by Apple in order to forward it to the responsible emergency center or emergency center. And:

The location is shared with Apple and partners to forward text messages to emergency services and help search for emergency services.

If, on the other hand, the location is shared via satellite through the “Where Is?” app, the data is “encrypted end-to-end” and assures Apple that it cannot access it.

So does the iPhone 14 manage satellite telephony?

no

Apple uses Globalstar’s existing satellite spectrum. Therefore, the responsible US supervisory authority (FCC) has already given its blessing. However, the SOS service is limited to two-way text messages. There are no voice calls or even video calls unless Apple invests tens of billions in new infrastructure.

Compatible iPhone models can connect to satellites to send a text message to emergency services or share location with contacts. However, the mobile device cannot be used to make calls like a satellite phone.

Is there a demo mode?

Yes. Anyone using a compatible iPhone model and residing in one of the few countries where the service is available can try it out.

If satellite location services are not enabled on the iPhone, you will first be prompted to enable them to start the demo.

To try the demo mode, you must be in a country or region where the new feature is officially available

How much does “SOS emergency call via satellite” cost?

According to Apple, the SOS satellite service is free for iPhone users for two years. In addition, the company has not disclosed how much it plans to charge or if it will ever charge for access.

Is this also available for Android users?

Not any time soon.

Who are the biggest competitors?

Apple is the first company in the world to integrate an SOS satellite service into conventional smartphones. Since the iPhone manufacturer is the innovation leader in the industry, the competition should follow suit as soon as possible.

In fact, in August 2022, Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX and US mobile phone provider T-Mobile presented much more far-reaching plans: New Starlink satellites should be connected to normal smartphones to enable ultra-fast internet connections beyond 5G. mobile phone masts. Musk promised that even after all the cell towers went down – for example due to a natural disaster – you could still use your cell phone and connect to the internet.

The challenge, however, is building antennas to pick up the weak mobile phone signal. T-Mobile and SpaceX also want to start texting, including SMS and messaging apps, before adding data-intensive services and phone calls.

Do I already have this on the iPhone?

Most likely not. Unless you’re in the US or Canada with an iPhone 14.

Please do not confuse! “Notruf SOS” can also be found on all newer iPhone models in Europe. And via the “Settings” app. It’s not about the satellite service, it’s about emergency calls.

With the iPhone 14 and the Apple Watch models Ultra, Series 8 and SE 2, there is also automatic accident detection, which should automatically call the emergency call after a violent collision (car accident, etc.). However, older Apple smartphones do not have this function.

In memory of: It is worth saving the most important personal information, including emergency contacts, in the emergency pass on iPhone (> Settings > Health). In case of emergency, the persons concerned can also be informed via the new SOS satellite service. And EMTs can access it from the lock screen.

Sources