Since iOS 18.5, the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max can now also use SOS emergency notification via satellite. However, this works in a different way than with the iPhone 14 series or newer.
Users with an iPhone 13 model can also connect from iOS 18.5 to a satellite in an emergency, provided that your provider supports this. Instead of making a direct connection with a satellite, the provider system comes on the corner. We explain how iPhone 13 owners can use the SOS emergency notification via satellite.
SOS emergency notification via satellite
With the help of an iPhone there are different ways to stay connected when you are in places without a traditional mobile network or WiFi coverage. With the iPhone 14 or Nieuwer (all models), Apple offers a satellite connection in collaboration with Globalstar to text emergency services, REQUEST ATTH ALSOsend friends and family messages and you can share your location via satellite. The function is standard on these devices and works automatically thanks to the required hardware.
Satellite functions via provider
Not only can you use Apple’s satellite function. Some providers have expanded their mobile network with satellites through collaborations with satellite providers, such as Starlink. This allows you to stay connected, even in places without a traditional data connection.
This means that you can also create the satellite connection through your provider and stay online. The advantage of this is that special hardware is not necessary and therefore the iPhone 13 series can also connect to a satellite in an emergency.
Supporting providers
Do you have an iPhone 14 or newer? Then you can use the SOS emergency notification via satellite in many countries. Apple’s hardware and satellite connection are used for this. This works in the Netherlands, Belgium, EU and various parts of the world. You can find a complete overview of the coverage here back.
If you have an iPhone 13 series or newer, you can also use satellite functions supplied by the provider. This way you stay online, even if the mobile network falls away. At present, the providers who support this function are scarce and not yet available in the EU.
- United States: T-Mobile USA
- Japan: au
- New Zealand: One NZ
All these providers use Starlink, the company of Elon Musk. These satellites have a technology on board that ensures that existing networks can communicate with the satellites. For the time being it is not clear when other providers will offer this function to their customers.
Provider provided satellite function
When your iPhone uses a satellite function provided by the provider, the iPhone will display ‘Sat’ in the status bar. Provider costs and data rates may apply. For more information about satellite functions and supported countries or regions provided by the provider, contact your provider.
If you offer Satellite Functions Provider Network, you can still use Apple’s satellite functions on iPhone 14 or newer in certain regions when you are outside of traditional mobile and wifiding.
Disable provider satellite functions
- Open the settings app.
- Tap ‘Mobile Network’
- Go to the settings of your provider or tap your telephone number
- Switch off ‘satellite’.
If the ‘satellite’ option is not displayed, your provider may not offer supported satellite functions and your iPhone does not use any satellite functions provided by the provider.