UK iPhone users to get huge free upgrade that could save lives

Upgrades are almost always a welcome change when it comes to technology, and if you're an iPhone user in the UK, you're about to get a big one for free.

This new feature was released with the new iPhone 14 on 15 November and it has the potential to save your life if you ever get into trouble.

Emergency SOS via Satellite is a brand new, revolutionary feature that is already giving iPhone users in the US and Canada additional protection when they're out and about.

However, the iconic tech company has now revealed that the brilliant feature will be available to those in the UK and in select parts of Europe from next month.

So, what exactly is it? Well, Emergency SOS via Satellite is basically what it says on the tin and enables iPhone users to send out emergency signals even when they're out of the reach of cellular networks.

We know - it's an absolutely, brilliant and arguably long overdue feature.

Apple

It works by giving users the chance to make an emergency call in the normal way, however, if your signal is not strong enough to even do that, don't worry, as the new feature has you covered.

Instead, you can also send an SOS text message by selecting their issue - options include Vehicle Issue, Sickness or Injury, Crime, Lost or Trapped, and Fire.

A radar screen will then appear and turn green to let you know you're location has been confirmed and the iPhone is working its magic and contacting the nearest satellite to get help.

Once the emergency message has been sent, users will be updated with responses to let them know when help will arrive - with the actual message itself sending in as few as 15 seconds.

With the iPhone 14 setting users back £849 - or £949 for the iPhone 14 Plus - we have to admit that this potentially life-saving feature does make it seem worth the big price tag.

Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said in a statement: "Some of the most popular places to travel are off the beaten path and simply lack cellular coverage.

Apple

"With Emergency SOS via satellite, the iPhone 14 lineup provides an indispensable tool that can get users the help they need while they are off the grid.

"Our teams worked tirelessly to tackle a new set of technical challenges to bring this service to life, in addition to building a reliable on-the-ground infrastructure.

"Emergency SOS via satellite is a breakthrough service available only on the iPhone 14 lineup, and a new innovation that we hope will provide our customers some peace of mind."

At this point, it's worth noting that every model in the new iPhone 14 range will contain the feature.

LADbible has contacted Apple for further comment.