An iPhone safety feature is drawing renewed attention after six skiers were rescued during California’s deadliest recorded avalanche, with survivors using satellite messaging to stay in contact with emergency responders when traditional cell service failed.
The avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe, killing eight people and leaving one missing, while six others were located and rescued after hours in severe winter conditions.
The skiers were able to communicate with authorities using Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature when they found themselves outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Remote Areas
Apple introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone 14 lineup. The feature is available on supported models running iOS 16.1 or later and is designed for use in remote areas where cellular signals are not accessible.
The satellite tool, available on newer iPhone models, allows users to text emergency services directly when traditional networks are unavailable. As interest in the feature grows, Apple users have been discussing how it works—and whether it should remain free.
In the Lake Tahoe rescue, communication between the stranded group and emergency personnel proved critical.
Rescuers ultimately found the group roughly 11 hours after the avalanche began, according to reports from Inc.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon described the strength of the slide, saying: “A two would bury a person. A three would bury a house and it’s right in the middle of those two.”
‘Life saving’
Reddit contributors reacting to the story said the feature justified the cost of newer iPhones.
“This is probably the best feature the iPhone has ever added, possibly only behind fall detection in Apple Watches,” a fan declared on Reddit.
Another agreed that, “This is the kind of feature that justifies the premium. Most people will never need it, but for the ones who do, it’s literally life-saving.”
Some critics, however, raised concerns about reports that the feature may not remain free indefinitely.
“The only worry is that it’s still planned to be a paid feature… which I think is completely wrong,” one remarked.
Apple advises users to first attempt calling 911 or local emergency services, even if their regular carrier shows no service.
If the call fails, iPhones will display an option to use Emergency Text via Satellite. Users can tap “Report Emergency” and follow on-screen prompts while keeping the phone held naturally with a clear line of sight to the sky.
Once connected, the iPhone shares critical information with responders, including the user’s location, elevation, Medical ID (if set up), emergency contacts, responses to an emergency questionnaire and the device’s battery level.
Risks Posed
Apple also recommends trying the built-in demo under Settings > Emergency SOS before traveling to remote areas. The demo does not contact emergency services, but walks users through the satellite connection process.
Emergency SOS via satellite is not available in all countries and regions and works only on supported models.
As extreme weather and backcountry travel continue to pose risks, the Lake Tahoe rescue has prompted renewed attention on how smartphones can function as a lifeline when traditional networks fail.
Newsweek has reached out to Apple for comment via email.
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