Apple extends a sought-after iPhone 14 feature to more countries!
The satellite-based emergency messaging feature, developed by Apple and later emulated by many companies, now becomes active in additional nations.
Apple, last year, took a significant leap by introducing the Emergency SOS service via satellite with the iPhone 14 series. This advancement is expected to be retained and possibly enhanced in the forthcoming iPhone 15 series, which is set to make its debut on September 12. In the lead-up to this anticipated release, fresh reports shed light on Apple's efforts to bolster satellite connectivity across its devices. It seems Apple and its collaborator, Globalstar, are joining hands with SpaceX for the launch of new satellites. These satellites aim to amplify the efficacy of the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature for iPhones.
Under the terms of their agreement, Globalstar has committed to compensating SpaceX $64 million to facilitate the launch of these communication-enhancing satellites. The sum will be divided into installments, spanning from the present moment up to the projected satellite launch year of 2025.
Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite was first made available to the public with the iPhone 14 release. This innovative feature is designed to ensure iPhone users can reach emergency services irrespective of their proximity to cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
Apple extends a sought-after iPhone 14 feature to more countries!
Initially, Apple had promised that users could avail of this Emergency SOS service at no cost for two years post-purchase. While the exact details remain undisclosed, given the investments Apple is channeling towards refining this feature, it is reasonable to speculate a nominal fee may be introduced for accessing the SOS facility beyond the two-year mark.
Strengthening their partnership, Globalstar has consented to allocate a hefty 85% of its existing and future network bandwidth exclusively for Apple iPhones. Furthermore, they will be responsible for the provision and upkeep of essential resources, including staff, software, satellite systems, while adhering to specified quality and coverage benchmarks.
Historically, this isn't the maiden collaboration between Apple and Globalstar. In the past year, Apple funneled a whopping $450 million into the infrastructure pivotal for the Emergency SOS via satellite functionality, with a lion's share of this funding directed to Globalstar. Adding another layer to their intertwined business relations, Globalstar procured satellite equipment worth $327 million from a Canadian entity in the previous year. Apple played a crucial role in this transaction by extending a loan of $252 million to Globalstar.
Currently, the Emergency SOS via satellite service is operational in several countries, including the United States, Canada, several European nations such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal.
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