Anybody have to use the Apple SOS/Satellite Emergency on a iPhone 14?

[bob4432]

As title states - have you been away from cell service and have the misfortune of needing to use Apple’s iPhone 14 satellite service for an emergency? How was it?

If you don't want to post publicly, send a PM. Your secret is safe with me 👍🏻.

 

[amdhunter]

I am going to the DR in a few weeks. If I remember, I am going to use this and see wtf happens. It isn't illegal to use...is it?

 

[Captante]

I have absolutely no idea OP BUT that is one cool feature I must admit! (wonder how reliable it is IRL though)

EDIT: This may help:

 

[KMFJD]

I am going to the DR in a few weeks. If I remember, I am going to use this and see wtf happens. It isn't illegal to use...is it?

why not just grab a sim card from claro if you phone is unlocked

 

[amdhunter]

why not just grab a sim card from claro if you phone is unlocked

Yeah, this is what I do all the time. Although this time around I have 14 model that's e-sim only. Fun fact, I get almost 300mbits down in the busy areas. Internet there has come a long way.

I just want to test the Satellite functionality when I am in an area with 0 coverage, like when I visit a river there or in the middle of nowhere. Just a curiosity.

 

[KMFJD]

Did i read this correct and this is text only ? the verizon/starlink version i believe allows for voice?

 

[Captante]

Did i read this correct and this is text only ? the verizon/starlink version i believe allows for voice?

SMS/text from what I've been reading is far more reliable with a sketchy signal ... makes sense since it requires far less data transmitted/received then voice would.

All that really matters is that it works getting help on the way far as I'm concerned! (THIS is a "feature" I might conceivably switch to IPhone for!)

 

[manly]

Did i read this correct and this is text only ? the verizon/starlink version i believe allows for voice?

I thought that it's only for emergency SOS, not for any general purpose use whatsoever.

 

[KMFJD]

I thought that it's only for emergency SOS, not for any general purpose use whatsoever.

It's t-mobile and looks to be about the same type of service when it become available

~At first the service will only enable text messages, and possibly messaging apps, though Sievert warned that “we haven’t actually begun working with other companies… it’s a bit of a technical problem that we need help from the partner with.” There would probably also be a considerable delay of “half an hour or so” until the message is sent or received.

T-Mobile phones will connect to Starlink starting next year

SpaceX's Elon Musk and T-Mobile's Mike Sievert announced the "technology alliance" at the space company's Starbase in Texas.

techcrunch.com

 

[dullard]

SMS/text from what I've been reading is far more reliable with a sketchy signal ... makes sense since it requires far less data transmitted/received then voice would.

All that really matters is that it works getting help on the way far as I'm concerned! (THIS is a "feature" I might conceivably switch to IPhone for!)

If this feature is important to you, you can get it now from Bullitt without switching to an iPhone. https://www.catphones.com/en-gb/ Or there is the clunky and expensive way: https://www.iridium.com/products/iridium-go/

Otherwise, Qualcomm will have satellite connectivity this fall for Android phone modems. I assume it will start out only on higher-end phones, but I could be wrong there. https://www.qualcomm.com/news/relea...-snapdragon-satellite--the-world-s-first-sate

I have been tempted too, mostly since I tend to do a lot of hiking and camping where there is no internet or phone service. I have a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), but the version I have is quite limited in capability. Upgrading to anything with more capability is quite expensive, so having a phone that does it would be nice as a backup to my PLB (I would never count fully on a phone to have power in a real emergency).

 

[dullard]

As title states - have you been away from cell service and have the misfortune of needing to use Apple’s iPhone 14 satellite service for an emergency? How was it?

If you don't want to post publicly, send a PM. Your secret is safe with me 👍🏻.

I think there has been about 1 or 2 incidents per month world-wide where someone used this for a real emergency. The chance of those few people being on Anandtech is slim. But, maybe it will happen. Adventure groups on Facebook might be a better source to find people with this experience.

 

[nakedfrog]

If this feature is important to you, you can get it now from Bullitt without switching to an iPhone. https://www.catphones.com/en-gb/ Or there is the clunky and expensive way: https://www.iridium.com/products/iridium-go/

Otherwise, Qualcomm will have satellite connectivity this fall for Android phone modems. I assume it will start out only on higher-end phones, but I could be wrong there. https://www.qualcomm.com/news/relea...-snapdragon-satellite--the-world-s-first-sate

I have been tempted too, mostly since I tend to do a lot of hiking and camping where there is no internet or phone service. I have a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), but the version I have is quite limited in capability. Upgrading to anything with more capability is quite expensive, so having a phone that does it would be nice as a backup to my PLB (I would never count fully on a phone to have power in a real emergency).

There's a number of other satellite messenger options out there too, I'll probably pick up one of the ones REI sells next year.

 

[dullard]

There's a number of other satellite messenger options out there too, I'll probably pick up one of the ones REI sells next year.

Yes, there are. But every time I look into them, my thought process goes like this:

• At a minimum I'd need the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
• But at $400 for the inReach Mini 2, why not just get the Garmin GPSMAP 67i and replace both my PLB1 and Garmin hiking GPS. That would only cost $600 and be better at both.
• But, if I was to spend $600, why not just spend ~$800 and get a new phone that has it this fall.

Also, I am personally disgusted by anything with a fixed monthly charge. It is just one of my flukes. The only fixed monthly charge I have is my phone service*. Adding in $14/month (minimum) for the inReach service just triggers me. That is especially true since there are only about 5 months a year that I'd "use" it. "Use" as in carry around since I hope to never actually use it. At least if it were built into my current cell phone bill, then I wouldn't have to have a second fixed monthly payment.


* I have utilities but they vary each month based on usage. It is a fixed fee for something that I might not even use that bothers me.

 

[Captante]

Yeah.... but the day that you NEED it (which hopefully never comes!) the price-tag will be the least of your concerns!

 

[dullard]

Yeah.... but the day that you NEED it (which hopefully never comes!) the price-tag will be the least of your concerns!

You are 100% correct. It is just a pet peeve of mine. I'd rather pay $1000 more up front to never have a monthly fee. Or $1000 each use. Or whatever. The cost isn't the issue. It is my intense dislike for any monthly fee. I can't explain it, it just just how I am.

 

[nakedfrog]

Yes, there are. But every time I look into them, my thought process goes like this:

• At a minimum I'd need the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
• But at $400 for the inReach Mini 2, why not just get the Garmin GPSMAP 67i and replace both my PLB1 and Garmin hiking GPS. That would only cost $600 and be better at both.
• But, if I was to spend $600, why not just spend ~$800 and get a new phone that has it this fall.

Also, I am personally disgusted by anything with a fixed monthly charge. It is just one of my flukes. The only fixed monthly charge I have is my phone service*. Adding in $14/month (minimum) for the inReach service just triggers me. That is especially true since there are only about 5 months a year that I'd "use" it. "Use" as in carry around since I hope to never actually use it. At least if it were built into my current cell phone bill, then I wouldn't have to have a second fixed monthly payment.


* I have utilities but they vary each month based on usage. It is a fixed fee for something that I might not even use that bothers me.

At least you recognize your foible, I was just pointing out there are other options out there beyond phone-based ones

 

[bob4432]

My reason for wanting to go the iPhone 14 route is that I wouldn’t be carrying an extra item. I would have my normal ICE pack but not another piece of gear.

I can wait out till the new phones come out and see what other companies offer similar service, worst case I save more $$ on a used iPhone 14. I guess I will just stay in the safety zone of cell service.

I too hate revolving charges on things I do not use, or overpriced revolving charges, like GoogleFi Unlimited.

Appreciate all the input!

 

[Oyeve]

Yeah, this is what I do all the time. Although this time around I have 14 model that's e-sim only. Fun fact, I get almost 300mbits down in the busy areas. Internet there has come a long way.

I just want to test the Satellite functionality when I am in an area with 0 coverage, like when I visit a river there or in the middle of nowhere. Just a curiosity.

I thought you can add esims as you need to.

 

[amdhunter]

I thought you can add esims as you need to.

Yeah. I tried to get a head start by installing the Claro app, but it seems like their website is having issues. I can't complete the registration at all. My boss offered to add an international data plan while I am gone, but it sort of sucks and I'd rather do it with Claro direct.

 

[manly]

It's been used for three rescues in L.A. County this year.

Hiker with broken leg rescued by helicopter thanks to Emergency SOS via Satellite

A hiker who broke her leg was airlifted to safety by helicopter after using her iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via...

9to5mac.com