SOS emergency call with satellite mode is a brand new feature available on the recently released iPhone 14 models. SOS mode is a standard feature on almost all smartphones on the market, but the feature on the new iPhone 14 series is more advanced. The satellite SOS feature of the new iPhones was previously available in the US and Canada. The feature is currently available in a few select European countries, the brand has already announced to the public.

When cellular or Wi-Fi access is unavailable, this feature allows iPhone owners to send messages – instead of traditional phone calls – to assist emergency services. After iPhone 14 tries to call emergency services using the normal method and fails, it will prompt you to “Report emergency” and provide you with a questionnaire to gather information about your situation. Your location, altitude, iPhone battery life, and medical certificate (if applicable) will be provided with your survey responses. Another option is to notify people to be contacted in an emergency.

Globalstar’s ground stations and satellite network have received significant upgrades thanks to the Cupertino-based company. As a result, the new iPhone 14 Emergency SOS service will be supported by approximately 300 Globalstar employees. According to Apple, Emergency SOS uses the designated band for cellular satellite services. The total amount Apple spent on the Emergency SOS program was $450 million. Most of that money was used to build infrastructure for the feature in partnership with satellite service provider Globalstar.

According to Apple, more countries will receive emergency calls via satellite next year. Two years of free service are included with the purchase of a compatible iPhone 14 (including 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max). It is not yet known how much the service will cost at the end of these two years. There’s a demo mode you can use to get used to this feature if you want to try it out, but it’s not an emergency right now.