iPhone’s Hidden Hero: Satellite SOS Saves Lives in Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States last week, leaving a trail of destruction. As the storm knocked out power and cell towers, many were cut off from help. But for some, a little-known iPhone feature became an unexpected lifeline.
Stranded in the Storm
When Helene hit, Jeff Twersky and his family were vacationing in Weaverville, North Carolina. The storm isolated them completely.
“We had no power, cell service, nothing,” Twersky said. “We were cut off.”
But on the third night, Twersky’s iPhone 16 suddenly connected to a satellite. He contacted his daughter in San Francisco, seeking crucial information about road closures and help.
“It was a lifesaver,” Twersky said. “We were running out of food and water. Some of us needed medicine. Being able to connect lets us figure out how to get help.”
Twersky isn’t alone. Across the hurricane-hit Southeast, iPhone users have been using satellite SOS to call for help and check on loved ones.
What is Satellite SOS?
Satellite SOS lets newer iPhones send texts via satellite without cell service. Apple added this feature to iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 18.
To use it:
- Go outside with a clear view of the sky
- Your phone will guide you to point at a satellite
- Send short texts to emergency services or contacts
“It’s not perfect – messages can take a while to send,” said John Wojewoda, an AT&T executive. “But when cell towers are down, it could be your only link to the outside world.”
Other phone makers are following Apple’s lead. Google’s Pixel 9 phones have a similar satellite texting feature for emergencies.
A Vital Link in Disasters
Features like satellite SOS could become increasingly important as climate change fuels more extreme weather.
Matt Van Swol, a photographer in Asheville, North Carolina, said the feature has been “literally saving lives” after Helene.
“People have been using it to call for rescue, get medical help, and let the family know they’re okay,” Van Swol said. “It doesn’t always work, but even a 50-50 chance of getting through is better than nothing.”
Another resident said satellite SOS gave her “peace of mind” when she lost contact with family in the storm’s path. She got periodic location updates from their phones.
How to Use Satellite SOS
It would be best to use satellite SOS with an iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18. Here’s how to set it up:
- Go to Settings > Emergency SOS
- Turn on “Emergency SOS via Satellite”
- Add emergency contacts
In an emergency with no cell service:
- Try calling emergency services
- If the call fails, you’ll see an “Emergency Text via Satellite” option
- Tap it and follow the prompts to connect to a satellite
- Send your location and describe your emergency
You can also use the compass app to find satellites manually.
“It’s a good idea to set this up before you need it,” Wojewoda said. “In a real emergency, every second counts.”
The Future of Emergency Communication
While satellite SOS is limited to basic texting, experts say the technology will rapidly improve.
“We’re working to make satellite connections more seamless,” Wojewoda said. “Eventually, your phone may switch automatically if the cellular network goes down.”
Phone makers and carriers are teaming up with satellite companies to expand coverage. T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink network, while AT&T and Verizon are working with other providers.
The goal is to create a robust backup for traditional networks during disasters. As storms like Helene become more common, that could prove invaluable.
“This technology is evolving fast,” Wojewoda said. “In a few years, losing signal completely may be a thing of the past.”
A Lifeline When It Matters Most
For now, features like satellite SOS offer a vital lifeline when disaster strikes. As Jeff Twersky and countless others learned during Hurricane Helene, that can make all the difference in a crisis.
While the technology isn’t perfect, it’s a powerful tool for staying connected when traditional networks fail. As climate change brings extreme weather, satellite SOS and similar features could become essential to disaster preparedness.
So, next time you update your iPhone, take a moment to set up satellite SOS. It might just save your life.
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