Apple Launches Emergency SOS Via Satellite In Japan With IOS 17.6

Apple announced the Emergency SOS feature via satellite available in Japan via iOS 17.6 update (photo: x @XavierNaxa)

JAKARTA - Apple has announced that the Emergency SOS feature via satellite is now available in Japan via the iOS 17.6 update released at the end of July. Customers in Japan who use the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 can now use Emergency SOS via satellite to contact emergency services even when the Wi-Fi or mobile connection is not available.

Apple first introduced the Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022 along with the launch of the iPhone 14 model, but this feature was originally only available in the United States and Canada. Since then, Apple has been working to expand the reach of this feature to more countries.

In Japan, there are several different emergency contact numbers, and all of them can be contacted via Emergency SOS via satellite, including 119 to contact fire and ambulance services, 110 to contact the police, and 118 to contact the coast guard.

Satellite connectivity can also be used to update locations in the Find My app when it's outside the reach of a mobile connection or Wi-Fi. This feature works for Japanese residents and visitors in the country.

Emergency SOS via satellite functions through a partnership with Globalstar, where iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models can connect to the Globalstar satellite in countries that already support this feature. This service is free for two years after activating the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. Apple hasn't announced a price for Emergency SOS via satellite after the two-year period ends.

Emergency SOS via satellite is currently available in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, England, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands.