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Emergency SOS on Apple iPhone and Watch Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park shot by Kevin Lu on iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone and Apple Watch can save your life on your next hike, or cottage trip this summer

With summer finally in full swing (well, sorta), Canadians are eager to embrace the great outdoors. From hiking the breathtaking trails of Victoria to cottaging in the serene landscapes of Muskoka. However, the beauty of nature often comes with one major drawback: unreliable cellular service. This makes it crucial to be prepared for emergencies, and Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is here to help. Available on iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, this feature can be a lifesaver when you’re off the grid.

A bone chilling video demonstrating how your emergency contact would be notified in the case of an emergency.

Your saving grace: Emergency SOS via Satellite, and how it works

Emergency SOS via Satellite is designed for those moments when you find yourself without cellular coverage and need help. It enables your iPhone or Apple Watch to connect to a satellite and send out a distress signal. This week, the feature proved its worth when an injured hiker in Victoria was rescued after her iPhone sent out a distress call via satellite .

How Emergency SOS via Satellite works

The iPhone’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature, introduced with the iPhone 14 lineup, enables users to call for help even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. When activated, an easy-to-use interface guides the user to connect to a satellite and complete a short questionnaire designed with emergency experts to relay vital information to dispatchers. This includes the user’s location, situation, iPhone battery level, and Medical ID, if enabled. The message is sent via satellite to dispatchers or relay centers staffed by Apple-trained specialists. Users can also share their location via satellite through the Find My app, and practice using the demo mode without contacting emergency services.

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Apple Emergency SOS features available on iPhone 14, 15 and 15 Pro lineup.
Apple Emergency SOS features available on iPhone 14, 15 and 15 Pro lineup. (Photo: COURTESY)

Apple’s development of custom components and software allows the iPhone 14 to connect to satellite frequencies without a bulky antenna. A text compression algorithm reduces message size, enabling messages to be sent and received in as little as 15 seconds in clear conditions. This feature is crucial for those in remote areas or affected by disasters, providing essential connectivity to emergency services. The satellite connection also works with other safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection, enhancing user safety during emergencies.

Emergency SOS via satellite enables users to message with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. (Photo: COURTESY)

Setting up Emergency SOS

To use Emergency SOS via Satellite, you don’t need to do much setup. On your iPhone 14 or 15, simply follow these steps:

  1. Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your device.
  2. Emergency SOS: Tap on ‘Emergency SOS.’
  3. Enable Emergency SOS via Satellite: Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure the feature is activated.

For Apple Watch Ultra 2 users, the setup is just as straightforward:

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  1. Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app on your watch.
  2. Emergency SOS: Select ‘Emergency SOS.’
  3. Activate Satellite SOS: Follow the prompts to enable the feature.

Test it out, safely: Trying the Emergency SOS demo

The intuitive interface guides the user where to point their iPhone to connect to a satellite. (Photo: Courtesy)
Users are prompted to complete a short questionnaire designed in partnership with emergency experts to quickly relay their situation and location to emergency services dispatchers, or to relay centres that will contact a dispatcher on the user’s behalf. (Photo: Courtesy)
Users are prompted to complete a short questionnaire designed in partnership with emergency experts to quickly relay their situation and location to emergency services dispatchers, or to relay centres that will contact a dispatcher on the user’s behalf. (Photo: Courtesy)
Users are prompted to complete a short questionnaire designed in partnership with emergency experts to quickly relay their situation and location to emergency services dispatchers, or to relay centres that will contact a dispatcher on the user’s behalf. (Photo: Courtesy)
Users are prompted to complete a short questionnaire designed in partnership with emergency experts to quickly relay their situation and location to emergency services dispatchers, or to relay centres that will contact a dispatcher on the user’s behalf. (Photo: Courtesy)
Users are prompted to complete a short questionnaire designed in partnership with emergency experts to quickly relay their situation and location to emergency services dispatchers, or to relay centres that will contact a dispatcher on the user’s behalf. (Photo: Courtesy)
With Emergency SOS via satellite, users can send and receive messages in as little as 15 seconds in clear conditions. (Photo: Courtesy)
When users want to reassure friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid, they can open the Find My app and share their location via satellite. (Photo: Courtesy)

Apple provides a demo to familiarize users with the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. This demo shows how to connect to a satellite and simulates the process without actually contacting emergency services. It’s an excellent way to understand how the feature works before you need it in a real emergency.

Latest added feature in iOS 18: Emergency SOS Live Video

Allowing users provide context to emergency services by sharing live streaming video and recorded media. During an emergency call, dispatchers can now request to view live video or media from the user’s camera roll via a secure connection, facilitating quicker and more efficient assistance.

Yosemite National Park in California and others across the US reward visitors with natural vistas and opportunities to maintain personal fitness goals. Apple Watch Hiking
Yosemite National Park in California and others across the US reward visitors with natural vistas and opportunities to maintain personal fitness goals. (Photo: COURTESY OF APPLE)

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 really shines in these scenarios…

The updated Compass app displays current elevation in real time and includes a 3D view of waypoints showing relative elevation.
The updated Compass app displays current elevation in real time and includes a 3D view of waypoints showing relative elevation. (Photo: Courtesy)

Using the Compass app

In addition to Emergency SOS, Apple devices offer several other tools to enhance your safety during outdoor adventures. The Compass app on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a perfect example. This app helps you keep track of your route, ensuring you can navigate back to your starting point if you get lost.

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Tracking your route

The Compass app allows you to track your route and add waypoints, which are markers that help you remember specific locations. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open Compass: Access the Compass app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Add Waypoints: Tap the ‘Add Waypoint’ button to mark your current location.
  3. Navigate Back: Use the ‘Backtrack’ feature to trace your steps back to your starting point.

By adding waypoints and using the backtrack feature, you can easily navigate unfamiliar trails and ensure you don’t get lost.

A great review video I came across that really deep dives on the watch for avid hikers.

Enhanced safety with Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers additional features that are invaluable for outdoor enthusiasts. Its advanced sensors and robust design make it a reliable companion for all your adventures.

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Fall detection and emergency call

Fall detection algorithms are updated and optimized for detecting falls during workouts in watchOS 8.
Fall detection algorithms are updated and optimized for detecting falls during workouts in watchOS 8.v (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 includes fall detection, which can automatically call emergency services if it detects a hard fall and you remain unresponsive. This feature is particularly useful for hikers who might trip and injure themselves on rough terrain.

  1. Enable Fall Detection: Go to the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Select Emergency SOS: Tap ‘Fall Detection’ and turn it on.

In case of an emergency, the watch can also make an emergency call directly from your wrist, providing a quick way to get help.

Real-life rescue stories

The importance of these features was highlighted recently when an injured hiker in Victoria was saved thanks to her iPhone’s satellite SOS capability. As reported by the Times Colonist, the hiker was able to send out a distress call despite being in an area without cellular service, leading to a successful rescue . This incident underscores the vital role that technology can play in ensuring our safety in the wilderness.

A beautiful and powerful video that showcases various stories about how apple devices have impacted many lives globally.

Additional resources and information

For those interested in learning even more about Emergency SOS via Satellite and other safety features, Apple’s support pages offer detailed guides and tutorials:

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Apple has also extended the Emergency SOS via Satellite service for an additional free year, ensuring users can take advantage of this lifesaving feature without extra cost .

Now, a cycling workout started from Apple Watch will automatically show up as a Live Activity on iPhone, which can be mounted to a bike for easy viewing during a ride.
Now, a cycling workout started from Apple Watch will automatically show up as a Live Activity on iPhone, which can be mounted to a bike for easy viewing during a ride. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Adventure confidently with your iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra 2

As you gear up for hiking and cottaging this season, make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected. Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite, available on iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, provides an essential safety net when you’re off the grid. By familiarizing yourself with this feature and the Compass app, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures with greater peace of mind. Stay safe and happy exploring!

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Hero photo: Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park shot by Kevin Lu on iPhone 7 Plus (Courtesy of Apple Canada)
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Editor-in-Chief, Gent's Post and Executive Producer, Gent's Talk podcast. Steven Branco is also the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of STAMINA Group. Overseeing Editorial, Creative and Business Development of our media brands like View the VIBE, WanderEater and Gent's Post. A serial entrepreneur, published international photographer, and on-air lifestyle expert. Always following the latest trends in fashion, tech, hospitality and cars. If you don't find him glued to his phone, he may be sun bathing on the hots sands of a sun destination.

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