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Apple first introduced the so-called "Emergency SOS via Satellite" feature with the iPhone 14 series. Although this feature won't be available in the US until November, Apple is preparing to release it with iOS 16.1—which will also include a dedicated demo that lets you try out the satellite connection without actually contacting emergency services.
Apple released iOS 16.1 Beta 3 to developers on Tuesday evening. During the code analysis, the US blog 9to5Mac found outthat Apple has added several satellite communication features to the iPhone 14 models, although they are not yet enabled. At this time, it is unclear whether Emergency SOS via Satellite will be available with iOS 16.1, as the update is expected to be released in October, while Apple says satellite features will be available in November. However, iOS 16.1 Beta 3 also reveals something that hasn't been mentioned before: a "satellite connection demo." This feature will allow users to see how Emergency SOS via Satellite works without having to go to a remote area without Wi-Fi and cellular signal.
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The code suggests that the demo feature works pretty much the same as it would in a real emergency, so it can also show users how to use it in a real-world situation. The satellite connection demo can be accessed at any time via the Emergency SOS menu in the Settings app once it is available. To find the satellite connection, the user must be outside and have a clear view of the sky. Of course, once the iPhone has connected to the satellite, it will not make emergency calls while using the demo. According to Apple, the feature will be introduced in the US and Canada and expanded to other countries later. It is currently unclear when the new emergency call feature will be available here. (Photo by ms_pics_and_more / Bigstockphoto)
