Apple Inc AAPL The recently launched Emergency SOS feature, initially set to roll out in the United States and Canada, could expand to other parts of the world sooner than expected.
What happened: The feature, which is set to debut in November, will be available in more countries in 2022, Apple told MacPrime, a Swiss tech blog. reported gizmodo.
The exact regions where the feature will be available have not been announced.
Notably, the emergency satellite SOS feature isn’t available in Guam or American Samoa, according to Apple’s support page.
However, international travelers visiting the US and Canada can use the feature via satellite unless they bought their phone in mainland China or in Hong Kong or Macau.
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Why it matters: Apple started the iPhone 14 with the new free Emergency SOS feature this month. Satellite service for the feature is powered by Globalstar.
The service allows users to send a message to rescue workers via satellite when Wi-Fi or cellular service is unavailable. A clear view of the sky is required for faster transmission.
According to Apple, the feature may not work in locations that are above the 62nd parallel, such as in the northern parts of Canada and Alaska.
In the meantime, Elon Musk-LED SpaceX also announced plans to bring satellite-based connectivity T Mobile‘s TMUS US users next year after formation of an alliance between the two companies.
Price promotion: On Thursday, Apple shares closed 1.9% lower at $152.37 in the regular session and fell 0.7% in after-hours trade, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
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Photo Courtesy: Apple
