SAN FRANCISCO: Apple has invested USD 450 million in developing the key infrastructure that supports Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone 14 models which will be launching "later this month" in the United States and Canada.

When they are outside of Wi-Fi and cellular coverage, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models will be able to communicate emergency services through the new service, which allows users to connect directly to a satellite.

"Emergency SOS through satellite is a fantastic example of how American creativity and technology can save lives,"said Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer.  "We are delighted that this service is made possible by reputable US businesses, and that our users can explore off-the-grid locations with the knowledge that help is still available if needed," he said.

The majority of funding goes to Globalstar, a US-based international satellite provider. According to reports, Apple's investment significantly enhances Globalstar's satellite network and ground stations, guaranteeing iPhone 14 customers may connect to emergency services when they are off the grid.

Jay Monroe, Executive Chairman of Globalstar said, "the launch of Emergency SOS via satellite straight to iPhone is a generational improvement in satellite communications, and we are happy that Globalstar's satellites and spectrum assets will play a crucial role in saving lives."

One of the 24 Globalstar satellites in low-earth orbit will pick up the message if an iPhone user sends an Emergency SOS via satellite request.

The message is then sent from the satellite to specific ground stations placed at strategic locations around the globe.
According to report, when a ground station receives a text message, it will either route the message to emergency services that can deploy assistance or, in the event that local emergency services are unable to receive text messages, to a relay centre with Apple-trained emergency professionals.

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