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The iPhone 14 series includes a feature not available on any other iPhone: support for satellite connectivity.
However, the functionality is something you will never need to use. Apple offers Emergency SOS via satellite mode that allows you to contact first responders in areas where there is no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
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Currently, the feature is only accessible in certain circumstances, but iOS 16.1 may allow you to test the feature on any iPhone 14 model.
As great as the prospect of having this advanced SOS feature in your pocket is, having to need it is a terrifying thought. That said, you should still know how to use satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14 if you need it.
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That way, when a stressful situation arises and you need to access emergency services via satellite, you'll know what to do instead of fumbling through menus on your iPhone.
After all, the satellite connectivity feature is useless if you have no idea where to find it and how to make the most of it.
The same goes for any new iPhone feature. The more you ignore it, the harder it will be to remember that your phone can perform a specific task. And you'll probably forget where to find the app or feature when you need it.
It's impossible to test the iPhone 14's satellite connectivity feature right now. Apple will release it in November. And once Satellite Emergency SOS is available, some people may try it in remote areas.
But this can lead to fake emergency calls, which is dangerous. You should not try to use the SOS feature to see if it works. That's why Apple may offer a demo mode for the feature in iOS 16.1.
Additionally, international iPhone 14 owners who don't have access to Emergency Satellite SOS on their device can try it out with a demo.
Satellite support will likely expand to other markets in the coming months and years.
Exploring the iOS 16.1 beta 3 code, 9to5Mac discovered a satellite connection demo feature that Apple never mentioned.
It appears that iPhone 14 users will be able to test the satellite emergency SOS feature on their devices without actually contacting first responders.
The new satellite connection demo should be available in the Emergency SOS menu in the Settings app once iOS 16.1 is released. That's assuming Apple keeps the feature in the final version of the operating system.
iOS 16.1 will likely be released in October alongside the launch of iPad 16.1. As a reminder, iPad users have not received the iPadOS 16 update. Apple will release it as iPadOS 16.1 next month, when new iPads are expected to hit stores.
iPhone 14 users can also check this Apple support document to learn more about Emergency Satellite SOS. The feature will roll out to iPhone 14 models in November.
