IN BRIEF
| Functionality | Description |
| Emergency SOS via satellite (Apple) | Available on iPhone 14 and newer, allows you to send messages and location to an emergency center without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. |
| Satellite Emergency Messages (iOS 18) | Extended SOS functionality, allows messages to be sent when no cellular or Wi-Fi connection is available. |
| Emergency video calls (FaceTime) | Allows you to call emergencies via video, thus improving communication with emergency services. |
| Competition (Samsung and Google) | Samsung and Google are working on similar features to compete with Apple in the satellite emergency calling space. |
| Free duration | Apple’s Satellite Emergency SOS feature is free for the first two years after activation of the compatible iPhone. |
When it comes to technological innovations, Apple and Google continue to push the boundaries to offer more and more advanced features to their users. One of these notable innovations is the satellite emergency functionality. Since the introduction of this option on theiPhone 14, Apple allows you to contact emergency services without a cellular connection. For its part, Google is also considering similar technologies to compete with Apple. A detailed analysis of these innovative features will help you better understand how they can save lives in critical situations.
In the world of smartphones, the ability to send SOS messages via satellite is a major technological advancement. Apple and Google, two industry giants, have each introduced features aimed at saving lives in emergency situations, even without network coverage. This article compares the offerings of these two companies, highlighting their differences, advantages and disadvantages. We will also explore the new feature of integrating emergency video calls.
Apple’s Satellite Emergency Feature
History and availability
Since the launch of theiPhone 14, Apple offers the function of Emergency SOS via satellite, adding essential security for users in remote areas without network coverage. This service is available free of charge for two years after device activation. The iPhone 14, as well as newer models like theiPhone 15, integrate this technology.
Operation and features
The functionality Emergency SOS via satellite Apple lets users send their precise location to an emergency center or loved one through the app Locate. With iOS 18, Apple introduced the Satellite messages, an extension of this technology, allowing text messages to be sent when no cellular or Wi-Fi connection is available.
Impact and feedback
Feedback on this feature is largely positive. Tests have shown that it can truly save lives, as detailed in this article on Numerama. In addition, Apple innovates with the integration of FaceTime in emergency communications, thus enabling video calls with emergency services, further improving the effectiveness of the response.
Google Satellite Emergency Feature
Introduction and comparison
Although Google is not yet as advanced as Apple in the field of satellite connectivity, the Mountain View firm is actively working to develop similar functionalities. The first implementations are planned to directly compete with Satellite Emergency Calls from Apple.
Current developments
Rumors and information gleaned from Google’s project indicate that they want to offer satellite emergency services integrated into their next devices. According to this article from CNET France, these features could arrive soon, while other manufacturers, such as Samsung, are also considering following this approach.
Comparison with Apple
Apple has taken a significant lead with the introduction of this technology in its latest iPhone models. However, it is expected that Google and other smartphone manufacturers will soon offer competitive alternatives. Users should monitor future announcements to see how these new features compare in coverage, effectiveness, and cost.
Advantages and Limitations of Emergency Video Calls
In addition to text messages and GPS locations, the idea of emergency video calls represents a new step in user security. Being able to show a critical situation live can help emergency services better assess and respond to situations.
Benefits
Video calls provide an additional dimension, making immediate visual assessment by emergency services possible. This can speed up interventions by providing accurate details of the situation. For example, medical teams can directly see an injury and provide advice in real time, thereby optimizing the chances of survival.
Boundaries
The main limitation remains the need for compatible equipment and sufficient satellite coverage to ensure call quality. Additionally, using video consumes more battery, a critical factor in an emergency situation. So users should be aware of these aspects when relying on this technology.
This detailed comparison shows that if Apple is currently leading with deployed and well-tested satellite emergency capabilities, Google and other manufacturers are not far behind. As technology evolves, these features will continue to improve, providing ever more security for users around the world. To find out more, find out if you should go for the new iPhone 15 or wait for future improvements.
Comparison of Apple and Google Satellite Emergency Features
| Criteria | Apple | |
| Availability | iPhone 14 and later models | Under development |
| Free | Free for 2 years | Not specified |
| Precise Location | Yes, by satellite | Scheduled function |
| Emergency Messages | Available with iOS 18 | In development |
| Video Compatibility | FaceTime with the SAMU | Not specified |
| Access without Cellular Connection | Yes | Foreseen |
| Coverage Areas | Extent | Not specified |
| Collaboration with emergency services | Yes | Foreseen |
-
Apple:
- Availability : iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 15
- Satellite messages: Introduced with iOS 18
- Precise location: Sending the location to an emergency center or a loved one
- Video Calls: FaceTime with the SAMU
- Free Duration: Two years after activation
- Worldwide Extension: Now available in several countries
- Availability : iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 15
- Satellite messages: Introduced with iOS 18
- Precise location: Sending the location to an emergency center or a loved one
- Video Calls: FaceTime with the SAMU
- Free Duration: Two years after activation
- Worldwide Extension: Now available in several countries
-
Google :
- Schedule: Under development
- Partnership: Collaboration with several satellite operators
- Future Integration: Planned for future versions of Android
- Competition: Direct competition with Apple and Samsung
- Expected Features: Location, messages, and potentially video
- Compatible Devices: Not yet specified
- Schedule: Under development
- Partnership: Collaboration with several satellite operators
- Future Integration: Planned for future versions of Android
- Competition: Direct competition with Apple and Samsung
- Expected Features: Location, messages, and potentially video
- Compatible Devices: Not yet specified
- Availability : iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 15
- Satellite messages: Introduced with iOS 18
- Precise location: Sending the location to an emergency center or a loved one
- Video Calls: FaceTime with the SAMU
- Free Duration: Two years after activation
- Worldwide Extension: Now available in several countries
- Schedule: Under development
- Partnership: Collaboration with several satellite operators
- Future Integration: Planned for future versions of Android
- Competition: Direct competition with Apple and Samsung
- Expected Features: Location, messages, and potentially video
- Compatible Devices: Not yet specified