Apple Watch to Eventually Gain Satellite Connectivity Feature for SOS and Emergency Contacts

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to bring satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch in the future, which would allow for emergency texting and SOS response features directly on a wearer's wrist, Bloomberg reports.

Before the iPhone 13 launch last fall, a flurry of reports had suggested the 2021 iPhone lineup would feature "LEO," or satellite connectivity. Satellite connectivity would enable the iPhone to send short messages to emergency contacts over satellite networks without going through a carrier.

The feature ultimately did not materialize in the iPhone 13 lineup, but Bloomberg reports today that the feature could launch as early as this year with the iPhone 14. Following its launch on the iPhone, Apple is planning to bring the technology over to the Apple Watch.

Apple's plan includes two parts to let users leverage satellite connectivity. The first, called "Emergency Message via Contacts," would let users send short text messages to emergency services and contacts over a satellite network when there is no available cellular signal. The new protocol would appear with gray bubbles inside of the Messages app.

The second component would let users report a crisis, such as a car, boat, or plane crash, to relevant authorities. Per a Bloomberg report from August of last year:

The second emergency feature is focused on letting users report a crisis. The phone will ask what kind of emergency is happening, such as whether it involves a car, boat, plane or fire.

The system is also able to take more specific information, such as a person falling overboard or a ship sinking. It will ask a user if search and rescue services are needed, if there is suspicious behavior or weapons involved, and if a person has suffered a traumatic injury.

As expected, Bloomberg cautions that the feature will be dependent on local regulation and availability, adding "they’re not designed to work in every country."

Article Link: Apple Watch to Eventually Gain Satellite Connectivity Feature for SOS and Emergency Contacts

 

[Prof.]

Okay correct me if I'm wrong

I know some luxury watches have this feature, but using this feature costs $$$.

I remember reading a story from 10+ years ago where a guy was lost in the ocean or a forest and he activated his SOS and it cost tens of thousands of dollars...?

 

[xyz369]

Cool, this feature will actually be able to save a person somewhere in the mountains where there is no signal.

 

[Danfango]

I will buy this the day it comes out. I spend a lot of my time in places with no cellular networks.

 

[t0rqx]

Okay correct me if I'm wrong

I know some luxury watches have this feature, but using this feature costs $$$.

I remember reading a story from 10+ years ago where a guy was lost in the ocean or a forest and he activated his SOS and it cost tens of thousands of dollars...?

Thats where the Apple Health+ subscription kicks in.

 

[WWPD]

 

[xyz369]

Thats where the Apple Health+ subscription kicks in.

Apple Watch won't save your life if you don't pay a subscription for Apple Health+?

 

[NT1440]

God I hope this doesn’t mean they’re signing up for Starlink…

 

[neuropsychguy]

Apple Watch won't save your life if you don't pay a subscription for Apple Health+?

I can’t use satellite phones without a satellite phone and a plan. Why does a potential service from Apple have to be free?

 

[randyhudson]

This is total BS. This would require a large antenna, clear view of the sky, and enough power to make your fingers fall off.

 

[mielie]

This is total BS. This would require a large antenna, clear view of the sky, and enough power to make your fingers fall off.

Errrr you’ve heard of satellite phones haven’t you?

Maybe checkout Garmin InReach if you think this technology doesn’t exist in such small sizes….

 

[aajeevlin]

This is total BS. This would require a large antenna, clear view of the sky, and enough power to make your fingers fall off.

Clear view of the sky yes, large antenna NO, power to make your finger fall off, also no, see Garmin device (3.9x2x1 inch, weights in at 3.5oz), most of it is taken up by display, and probably the protective layers.

Iridium Constellation (been in operation since 1998) has been doing this for YEARS, their device are small when needed, people seems to forget that there ARE constellations (multiples of them) before Starlink, and all the other new comers.

 

[NeoSe7en]

Man, this is going to suck for horror movie writers. They already have to deal with the “Oh no, I have no bars!” trope.

 

[aajeevlin]

Okay correct me if I'm wrong

I know some luxury watches have this feature, but using this feature costs $$$.

I remember reading a story from 10+ years ago where a guy was lost in the ocean or a forest and he activated his SOS and it cost tens of thousands of dollars...?

So the question is, the device and sending the signal out isn't expensive at all. When you are in the middle of the ocean (or some forest) and the rescuer ask if you are okay paying tens of thousands of dollars to save your life, what do you tell them? That's where the costs comes from.

 

[Prof.]

So the question is, the device and sending the signal out isn't expensive at all. When you are in the middle of the ocean (or some forest) and the rescuer ask if you are okay paying tens of thousands of dollars to save your life, what do you tell them? That's where the costs comes from.

I thought it was a separate charge? One charge for the call and one charge for the actual rescue.

idk.

 

[jimothyGator]

Clear view of the sky yes, large antenna NO, power to make your finger fall off, also no, see Garmin device (3.9x2x1 inch, weights in at 3.5oz), most of it is taken up by display, and probably the protective layers.

Iridium Constellation (been in operation since 1998) has been doing this for YEARS, their device are small when needed, people seems to forget that there ARE constellations (multiples of them) before Starlink, and all the other new comers.

I want this to be true, as a backpacker, but I doubt it. The Garmin inReach mini is considerably larger than the Apple Watch, and it includes a large* antenna.

* Relative to the hidden antennas of a modern phone and Apple Watch, though small compared to a CB radio antenna, for example.

 

[Deguello]

Man, this is going to suck for horror movie writers. They already have to deal with the “Oh no, I have no bars!” trope.

“My watch battery is dead.“ Much more believable than a lot choices people make in horror movies, anyway.

 

[koil]

So the question is, the device and sending the signal out isn't expensive at all. When you are in the middle of the ocean (or some forest) and the rescuer ask if you are okay paying tens of thousands of dollars to save your life, what do you tell them? That's where the costs comes from.

"Oh, on second thought I'll just die here then. Have a great day!"

 

[Timelordprime]

This is total BS. This would require a large antenna, clear view of the sky, and enough power to make your fingers fall off.

I’ve been using a small satellite tracker with emergency SOS text for years, a Spot Gen3 GPS tracker. Got it because I go on long-distance bicycle rides where there is no or limited cellular coverage, especially in Northern Ontario, or the Atlantic Provinces. Works like a charm, and is about the size of an iPhone.

 

[Macintosh TV]

This is total BS. This would require a large antenna, clear view of the sky, and enough power to make your fingers fall off.

That's simply not true. There are numerous small satellite SOS devices available now.

ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone 2025 Satellite Communicators

Choosing between ZOLEO vs inReach vs iPhone? We cover the best satellite communicators for hiking with in depth pros, cons, and features.

www.adventurealan.com

 

[Timelordprime]

I want this to be true, as a backpacker, but I doubt it. The Garmin inReach mini is considerably larger than the Apple Watch, and it includes a large* antenna.

* Relative to the hidden antennas of a modern phone and Apple Watch, though small compared to a CB radio antenna, for example.

It’s not just Garmin. Spot has been doing this for years. I’ve been using a Spot GPS tracker for years on long-distance bike rides where ther is limited or no cellular service. Much newer and capable devices out there now from Spot. https://www.findmespot.com/en-ca/about-spot/company-info

 

[paradox00]

Errrr you’ve heard of satellite phones haven’t you?

Maybe checkout Garmin InReach if you think this technology doesn’t exist in such small sizes….

The inreach mini is absolutely huge relative to an Apple Watch. None of Garmins watches, which are also bigger than an Apple Watch, feature this capability either.

Garmin’s devices suggest that this functionality currently isn’t possible in a device as small as an Apple Watch.

 

[MisterSavage]

Okay correct me if I'm wrong

I know some luxury watches have this feature, but using this feature costs $$$.

I remember reading a story from 10+ years ago where a guy was lost in the ocean or a forest and he activated his SOS and it cost tens of thousands of dollars...?

Even if that's true I'd rather pay that than be dead.

 

[Spike1999]

This feature will be a lifesaver for many.

 

[jimothyGator]

It’s not just Garmin. Spot has been doing this for years. I’ve been using a Spot GPS tracker for years on long-distance bike rides where ther is limited or no cellular service. Much newer and capable devices out there now from Spot. https://www.findmespot.com/en-ca/about-spot/company-info

Yes, Spot’s devices are also considerably larger than an Apple Watch.

Several people are posting things along the lines of “haven’t you heard of satellite phones/PLBs/messengers?”

To them I ask, have you? And if you have, have you compared the size of them to an Apple Watch? The examples people cite are arguments against, not for, a satellite Apple Watch.