When Apple announced the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro (Max) last year, it was also noted that the manufacturer had added an emergency SOS satellite function to its software and hardware. Those functions remain out of reach of users in the Benelux. Apple restricts use of SOS functionality to devices in Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Emergency satellite feature on iPhone

The technology company from Cupertino writes that the Benelux will open later this month add to this list. Users in Italy, Austria, and Portugal will also have access to the iPhone 14’s emergency satellite function from then on.

The SOS emergency satellite function lets you communicate with emergency services via satellite if you don’t have cellular coverage or access to a WiFi network. Plus, the Find My app on iPhone 14 lets you reassure friends and family by sending your location when you’re offline. Every 15 minutes you can send the latest location via satellite connection.

For the first two years after using the new iPhone 14, the SOS function can be used free of charge. It is not known what date Apple used for Belgian and Dutch iPhone 14 owners who have not been able to use the satellite function until now.

Satellite integration is starting to develop

Apple is currently the first manufacturer with satellite integration for smartphones. At the same time, we also saw the first announcements in the field of Android devices. At MWC, both MediaTek and Samsung unveiled their first satellite-enabled modems. Motorola, in partnership with Bullit Group, simultaneously introduced its first smartphone with satellite integration: Defy 2.

Qualcomm will also roll out its satellite integration for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset later this year. The American technology giant is working with satellite developer Iridium for the SOS satellite function.