Man used iPhone 14 satellite alerts to get rescued in Alaska

The iPhone 14 series is equipped with satellite communication functionality, allowing users to send emergency SOS messages via satellites in case there’s no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. Now, it turns out that the feature has already saved one person’s life.

MacRumors reports that an Alaskan man traveling via snowmobile became stranded at 2 AM on December 1, subsequently using his iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature to send out an emergency alert. 

Four volunteer searchers were dispatched to the coordinates sent by the man, who was found uninjured and transported to his destination.

Apple notes that Emergency SOS via Satellite might not work in places above 62 degrees latitude. The area where the man was stranded was located at roughly 66 degrees latitude — outside of Apple’s quoted working range.

Guide: Everything you need to know about Apple’s SOS via Satellite feature

Nevertheless, it’s an impressive demonstration of the technology and shows just what a lifesaver it can be. The feature is currently available free of charge to iPhone 14 series users for two years, but there’s no word on pricing thereafter. In saying so, similar services from the likes of Garmin cost $15 a month.

Satellite communication functionality is also available on the HUAWEI Mate 50 series and will be available via T-Mobile at the end of 2023. Samsung is also rumored to be working on the feature for the Galaxy S23 range. So Android users can get in on the action too.