Apple devices are among the most advanced technologies. This technology does not only help enhance the on-device experience but also helps in real-life situations. We have heard several stories that narrate how iPhones saved the user’s life. Not just iPhones, Apple has integrated such features into the Apple Watches as well. Apple upgrades these features with every new flagship.
These features include fall detection, emergency SOS, high and low heart rate detection, ECG, and more. But, they can only help you if you know how to use them correctly. If these features are not turned on, they can’t help you. And spending a little time memorising how they work could prove invaluable in the future. In this article, we will delve into four emergency iPhone and iWatch features that are helpful in real-life scenarios.
Emergency SOS
With Emergency SOS, the user can quickly and easily call for help and alert the emergency contacts. Making a call to SOS, the iPhone calls the local emergency number automatically and shares your location with the emergency services. While the rules are different for different countries, in India, pressing the side button rapidly three times takes the user to emergency services.
But there are other ways to dial an emergency call as well. One way is to press and hold the side button and a volume button for a few seconds, then swipe the Emergency SOS slider to the right. Another way is to press and hold the side button and a volume button, continue holding them until the countdown begins and the SOS call is placed.
Crash detection
Automatic emergency calls after your device detects a crash are supported with iPhone 14 and later, Apple Watch Series 8 and later, Apple Watch SE gen 2, and Apple Watch Ultra and later. Apple describes this feature as, if you are in a car crash, an iPhone and Apple Watch can automatically call emergency services. Your devices will start a countdown and sound an alarm before the call. However, the iPhone and Apple Watch cannot detect all crashes.
Emergency contacts
Other than the emergency services, users can also set up emergency contacts. To set up or update the emergency contacts, go to the Settings, search for Emergency SOS. Here the user will find an option to Edit Emergency Contacts in Health button. The user can also use the Health app. Tap on your profile in the top right, a window will open up showing Medical ID. By clicking on this option, the user can edit or add the emergency contacts.
Notably, when emergency SOS calls are placed, the iPhone or Apple Watch will also send a message to the designated emergency contacts.
Emergency SOS via satellite
Apple also offers a feature to tackle real-life emergencies via satellite. Like Crash detection, emergency SOS via satellite requires an iPhone 14 or 15. The benefit here is even if you don’t have a cellular or a WiFi connection, you can still get help with an emergency message. Apple allows you to test a demo to test using the feature so you’re familiar with it ahead of needing it in a real-life scenario.
