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iPhone Emergency SOS via satellite

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Apple on Monday release iOS 18.5 , which expandsemergency orbiter capabilitiesto iPhone 13 owners for the first clock time . Previously , the satellite feature film were available to those running an iPhone 14 or later .

The emergency orbiter organization for iPhone is designed to be used at decisive times when a cellular signaling or Wi - Fi is not useable , as it lets the great unwashed contact hand brake services , send a text by orbiter , share information with their emergency contacts , or call forroadside assistance . To escort , the feature has beencredited with saving life , rescuers say , includinghelping lostandinjured hiker , saving masses from wildfires , and more .

Carrier - provided satellite features do n’t have to be used for emergencies , though they often are . You could also text a friend via satellite , if you choose or use whichever other features the carrier offer .

The iOS 18.5 update is focused on providing access tocarriers ’ artificial satellite divine service , like those fromT - Mobile ( with Starlink ) . you could check to see if you have access code to this feature article from the Cellular menu under the iPhone ’s configurations .

While the expansion of orbiter Service to iPhone 13 possessor is the most notable addition with iOS 18.5 , iPhone user are also receiving a good handful of smaller updates .

This include the addition of a new feature for Screen Time , Apple ’s maternal dominance software package , which alerts parents if their child correctly enters the parent ’s passcode to get at Screen Time permissions .

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iOS 18.5 was released alongside iPadOS 18.5 , which for the most part speak hemipterous insect fixes ; visionOS 2.5 ; watchOS 11.5 ; and protection - focalise updates for macOS Ventura 13.7.6 ( 22H625 ) and macOS Sonoma 14.7.6 .

update to clarify that Apple ’s Emergency Satellite features differ from carriers , as flattop can extend the use of satellite connectivity for non - exigency , too , if they pick out .