A brand new feature on the iPhone has been activated, and could be used to save people's lives without a phone signal.
Emergency SOS via Satellite will allow the phone user to access emergency teams without having a phone signal, reports the Mirror. The feature, which is still in a demo mode, will allow users to get familiar with it without pestering the emergency services.
So, how can you check if you have the latest SOS feature on your phone?
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How to access the SOS feature on iPhone
Firstly users must have an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro which must be updated to its latest version of the IOS operating system settings. This can be done by accessing Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple says: "To learn how Emergency SOS via satellite works, try the demo.
"You need to be outside, on relatively open terrain, with a clear view of the sky. Trees with light foliage might slow down the connection and dense foliage might block it.
"Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also block the connection."
Location Services must also be turned on to use the feature - which could prove vital in some circumstances. After this, open the Settings app and open Emergency SOS.
In this menu it allows allows the user to tap Try Demo. The phone will then take you through a 'safe' demo which won't result in you calling emergency services.
It will not work if you are in a country that doesn't support Emergency SOS via Satellite.
The new feature is currently available in the US and Canada, but is expected to be rolled out to the UK soon.
Apple said: "Emergency SOS via satellite can help you connect with emergency services under exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching emergency services are available.
"If you call or text emergency services and can't connect because you're outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, your iPhone tries to connect you via satellite to the help that you need."
The connection via satellite is not like sending a normal text message. It can take 15 seconds to send even in perfect conditions where there is a direct views and nothing on the horizon.
Apple also warns that it could take up to a minute to send the emergency text if trees are in the way. The phone giant has provided some official tips:
Hold your phone naturally in your hand
You don't need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don't put it in a pocket or backpack
Make sure that you're outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon
Be aware that trees with light foliage might slow down the connection
Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also block the connection
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