Updated
Updated · Lifehacker · Aug 19
Apple Highlights 6 iPhone Emergency Features, Including 10-Second Crash Detection Alerts
Updated
Updated · Lifehacker · Aug 19

Apple Highlights 6 iPhone Emergency Features, Including 10-Second Crash Detection Alerts

1 articles · Updated · Lifehacker · Aug 19

Summary

  • Apple’s guide urges iPhone users to review six built-in emergency tools before a crisis, centering on Medical ID, emergency contacts, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection and government safety alerts.
  • Medical ID can show allergies, medications and other health details from the lock screen, and users can also share that information automatically when calling or texting emergency services.
  • Emergency SOS can be triggered by holding buttons or pressing the side button 5 times, while satellite texting works when cellular and Wi-Fi are unavailable and can send location, battery level and Medical ID data.
  • Crash Detection—on by default—sounds an alarm after a severe vehicle crash, then places an emergency call if the user does not respond within 10 seconds and a further 30-second countdown.
  • Government emergency, public safety and AMBER alerts are enabled by default, and Apple says users should also check enhanced earthquake and imminent-threat notifications.

Insights

Exactly how secure is your most sensitive medical data when your phone automatically broadcasts it to first responders?
Are you prepared for the hidden costs when your iPhone's free emergency satellite messaging trial finally expires?
Could relying entirely on automated crash detection create a dangerous false sense of security during real emergencies?