Apple’s Satellite-Based Emergency SOS Feature Goes Live Later This Month

If you re-read Apple’s press release to figure out the actual launch date of its satellite-based SOS service, you’ll likely be disappointed. Nevertheless, it is a good thing that Apple confirmed that the satellite-based SOS system should be up and running without further delays. For now, the feature shall only be available to iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max customers living in the U.S. and Canada, with a gradual rollout happening elsewhere in the coming months.

Apple’s press note also confirms that it invested $450 million to ensure the feature works as intended. A big chunk of this investment went to a company called GlobalStar — famous for its satellite communication services. With the help of Apple’s investment, GlobalStar was able to form a team of more than 300 people working around the satellite-based SOS service.

GlobalStar currently has 24 satellites circling the planet in a low earth orbit. In addition to the satellites, the company also has an extensive network of strategically placed ground stations. Apple also confirmed that it’s been working on making even more ground stations for GlobalStar — with the newest ones coming up in Nevada and Hawaii.