First introduced on the iPhone 14 series, the Emergency SOS via satellite feature of the iPhone has been hailed as a game changer for iPhone owners in emergencies, especially when in remote areas where cellular service isn’t available. This is particularly useful, in case you are on an expedition in the mountains, and is one of the key features that got added, to reach emergency services via satellite and at least reach help, even if they are in the most deserted areas. But why is this a feature only available to the iPhone? The company will bring it to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the first smartwatch ever to support Emergency SOS via satellite, according to a new report.
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Expected in 2025 with Satellite SOS Support, First for Apple’s Wearables
The Apple Watch Ultra only received minor updates this year — like the new Satin Black finish with extra scratch resistance — but it’s expected that the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which should arrive in 2025, will have more substantial upgrades, including satellite SOS. With this new feature, it will be the first non-iPhone device, apart from the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 family, and iPhone 16 family which support Emergency SOS via satellite.
The Apple Watch Ultra is durability-focused and favored by adventure athletes including mountain climbers and hikers. These people tend to roam remote areas without cellular coverage, making SOS communications via satellite essential. While the report fails to describe exactly how users will be able to communicate with responders, Apple is likely to employ some sophisticated speech-to-text mechanism to assist users who are attempting to talk in adverse conditions such as high altitude or gusty winds.
Right now, Emergency SOS via satellite is complimentary for iPhone owners, but there’s a chance there may be a price attached to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Gurman’s report doesn’t mention pricing or whether the Watch Ultra 3 will be outfitted with updated hardware enabling it to last longer on a charge. More information is expected in the coming months, so Apple fans should stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.
FAQs
Will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 have Emergency SOS via satellite?
Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to support Emergency SOS via satellite, marking the first smartwatch in Apple’s lineup to offer this feature.
When will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 be released?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to launch in 2025.
