This hidden iPhone feature has saved countless lives during Maui fires
Published on Aug 16, 2023 at 10:28 AM (UTC-4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Aug 16, 2023 at 10:28 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
There’s a hidden iPhone feature that could potentially save your life.
It’s a feature most people may not know about.
Partly because it isn’t advertised but mostly because it’s the sort of feature you always hope you never have to use.
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The thing is, in the event of a natural disaster, there’s a strong chance of losing network service, meaning you won’t be able to access the internet, send text messages or make calls.
That’s exactly what happened to Maui residents who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time during the Maui wildfires.
There was no cell service, but a Maui resident and his family were still able to send an SOS using Apple Emergency SOS system, which doesn’t require 4G or a cell connection because it uses satellites.
The details were shared by Michael Miraflor, a relative of the family, who took to Twitter / X to explain what happened.
“My brother’s girlfriend’s cousin and his family were caught in their vehicle in Maui while the wildfires suddenly erupted around them,” Miraflor said in a tweet.
“[There was] no cell service, so Apple Emergency SOS was the only way they could get in contact with first responders. It literally saved their lives,” he further explained.
Miraflor also shared a screenshot of the Emergency SOS texts that were sent to the fire department and dispatchers.
As we can see from the screenshot, the emergency text also pinpoints the location and useful info.
This Apple feature was first released in November 2022, and it is currently available on the iPhone 14.
When you make a call with SOS, your iPhone automatically calls the local emergency number and shares your location with emergency services.
Further, you can also add emergency contacts, who will be alerted with a text message after the call ends.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
