Satellite function launched in the US – when in the Netherlands?

From today you can make an emergency call via the satellite function in the United States and Canada. When will this service come to the Netherlands?

Satellite function for emergency calls

Apple has rolled out the new satellite function that allows you to make an emergency call if you are out of range. The function makes it possible to share a short message with location, even if you are not in the vicinity of a cell tower. Your location will then be visible in the ‘Find My’ app.

Available in the United States and Canada

So the new satellite feature is now available in the United States and Canada. This service is free for the first two years anyway. It is not yet known how expensive the service will be after the first two years. The satellite emergency calls are only available on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Expansion to European countries in December

Apple has now indicated that it will also bring the service to Europe. And this is happening faster than expected: next month residents of a number of European countries will already be able to make an emergency call via the satellite function.

The service will be brought to France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom next month. It remains to be seen when exactly the satellite function will come to the Netherlands, but Apple will not wait long to introduce the function in Europe. We are also curious whether we can try out the function at our eastern neighbours.

Sending an emergency call via satellite: this is how it works

To send an emergency call when you have no coverage, it is in any case necessary to have an unobstructed view of the horizon. Your iPhone then indicates in which direction you should point your phone to have the best range.

Once you have connected to a satellite, you must choose the reason for making a distress call. Here you choose between five options: car breakdown, illness or injury, crime, lost, or fire. Once you have chosen a reason, the message will be sent to a satellite. Your location, altitude, battery percentage and medical ID will be sent with this message.

24 Globalstar satellites provide coverage

The satellite sends the message with your location to a radio station on Earth. This is done via one of Globalstar’s 24 satellites. If you use the function, you will then be in contact with an emergency helpline. By sending chat messages, you can explain your situation further and get help. The helpline may then contact the ‘real’ emergency services to ensure that you are rescued.

Compare iPhone 14 prices

The satellite function only works on the iPhone 14 models. Do you think the feature is a useful addition? Then an iPhone 14 (Pro) is definitely worth considering. In that case, check the best prices in our price comparison!

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