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It's perfectly fine and easy. If you fear it, then I'd suggest you NEVER drive anywhere without cellular coverage. Just out of curiosity, how would you suggest Apple should do it?
Maybe bringing up the up the SOS screen. Typing roadside into messages is counter-intuitive. I would never have known to do that, but I would have activated the SOS screen to get to the roadside assistance satellite feature
 
Maybe bringing up the up the SOS screen. Typing roadside into messages is counter-intuitive. I would never have known to do that, but I would have activated the SOS screen to get to the roadside assistance satellite feature

Frankly, you are correct and I was also bothered by the need to start a new message with "roadside". But, sadly, I have become so used to and bothered by almost every thread about the satellite feature, and so many other topics, containing an overwhelming amount of irrational Apple hate, that I've come to expect it and saw what was probably an innocent comment as more Apple hate.

Apple is far from perfect. I'm bothered by many of Apples's software and hardware issues. They are not the company I used to love. But their Satellite service is very admirable and literally life saving. I'm astounded that anyone would be negative about it. But every time there is an Apple satellite article, the subsequent thread becomes so bogged down with irrationalities that it becomes very upsetting to see the attempts to denigrate a great iPhone feature. It's unbelievable to me that when an article appears about how someone's life was saved with the satellite feature, there are people who accuse Apple of a PR stunt. It's perfectly acceptable for Apple to toot their own horn when a life saving event occurs. It's particularly craven to look at it any other way.

I do apologize to the first poster who mentioned the awkward way needed to initiate roadside assistance. He is correct. But my knee-jerk reactive is a consequence of the massive negativity, often for negativity's sake, that has transformed so many forums from a source of knowledge and intelligent conversation to ones of pointless and useless hate filled comments.
 
Maybe bringing up the up the SOS screen. Typing roadside into messages is counter-intuitive. I would never have known to do that, but I would have activated the SOS screen to get to the roadside assistance satellite feature
Probably because roadside assistance isn’t an SOS emergency. Just because both use a satellite network doesn’t mean they should be activated the same way. Perhaps make a Satellite menu that has all satellite features? I’m not sure that’s any easier than typing roadside.
 
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I'm guessing they are making you remember to type "Roadside..." into iMessage to help cut down its use until they are comfortable that there is enough satellite bandwidth to handle more frequent calls.

If you didn't know ahead of time that's how you access it, there is no way to find out when you need it, since it is not accessible anywhere in the iOS UI, and presumably you couldn't look it up since it only works when you don't have data access.
 
We don't pay for this on our phone bill every month as this is via satellite when we don't have our phone service. So Apple is covering the cost for now from profit. Not likely will continue to be free.

I know, I just mean there’s a 911 fee which is why that’s “free,” and even phones without service can still dial 911.

I realize this is different but knowing Apple’s negotiating clout I wouldn’t be surprised if they get some of that money and offer 911 via satellite in the same way at some point in the future.

We already separately pay a “universal service fee” which basically just lines the cartel’s pockets. This isn’t the whole universe but it is space, seems like it should count.
 
In the video I'm bummed that the keep pointing at satellite notification covers the battery icon. I was curious how much was consumed when using this feature.

I wish the roadside service also triggered a notification to your emergency contacts like SOS does. What if its critical like overheating/blown engine or tire damage and no spare? The AAA tech isn't going to drive you to the nearest city.

Assistance via Satellite is better off being an app on your phone that can only be accessed when no cell service is detected. It will also prevent overwhelming the service vs the texting method as some mentioned. I have low expectations for the general public to remember to start a text message with roadside assistance when needed.

Regardless I'm happy it exists. Just completed another trip yesterday from CO to ND and out of the 12 hour drive I didn't have service for a total of 4 hours or so. You can go up to an hour before seeing another human on many of the backroads. Tons of deer migrating and bipolar weather conditions.
 
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Also little reminder that just because you don't have cell service with your carrier doesn't mean you can't make emergency calls. Cell phones are allowed to send 911 calls through any available carrier when your subscribed one isn't available even older phones that aren't activated.
 
Also little reminder that just because you don't have cell service with your carrier doesn't mean you can't make emergency calls. Cell phones are allowed to send 911 calls through any available carrier when your subscribed one isn't available even older phones that aren't activated.
And iOS now tells you with the "SOS" indicator if you are in such a circumstance. I've noticed also that you can't use the Satellite feature if SOS is showing.
 
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It's perfectly fine and easy. If you fear it, then I'd suggest you NEVER drive anywhere without cellular coverage. Just out of curiosity, how would you suggest Apple should do it?
It's fine, but it's a hidden cookie. Idd it to the SOS screen and to the AAA app.
 
It's counter-intuitive, relying on the user to remember how to access it. Imagine a 75+ year old stuck along some highway, stressed and confused... do you think they would remember this vs. tapping some handy button?

I guess I better remember to write the instructions down now while I’m 74 so I’ll be able to use it next year when I’m 75 and can’t remember anymore.
 
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