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Your iPhone Can Now Call for Help, Even When Lost in the Scottish Highlands!
Apple’s new “Roadside Assistance via Satellite” feature is now available in the UK, meaning even if you’re stuck in a place with no cell service, your iPhone 14 or later can connect to a satellite and summon help. That’s right, no more relying on carrier pigeons or smoke signals when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
This is huge for UK drivers, especially those who venture off the beaten path. Apple has teamed up with Green Flag, a UK roadside assistance service, to provide this service. If you’re not a Green Flag member, you can still use Roadside Assistance via Satellite, but it’ll cost you per use (though Apple hasn’t said how much yet).
Now, before you ditch your AAA card and start driving into the wilderness with reckless abandon, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the feature is only available on iPhone 14 and later models running iOS 17 or later. Second, you need to be in an open area with a clear view of the sky – so, if you’re stuck in a dense forest, you might be out of luck.
To use the feature, you simply open the Messages app, start a new message, and type “roadside” in the address field. Follow the instructions, and your iPhone will connect to a satellite and send your location and a request for help.
Apple has clearly recognized that our dependence on smartphones goes beyond just cat videos and social media. This feature could be a lifesaver in emergency situations, and it’s great to see Apple expanding its satellite services beyond the US. Now, if only they could figure out a way to get us a signal in the London Underground…
From the sales floor to the critic's corner, I'm a former Apple Sales Specialist who's not afraid to tell it like it is. Get my honest takes on the iPhone, Mac, and everything Apple. | Los Angeles, California.
