iOS 17.6 Update Expands Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite to iPhone Users in Japan

Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature now supports 17 countries, including Japan.

Apple has introduced the iOS 17.6 update, rolling out to eligible iPhone models starting Monday. While the update does not bring major new features, it does include a significant addition for users in Japan: the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. This tool, first launched in the US and Canada in November 2022, now allows iPhone users in Japan to contact emergency services through satellite communication when traditional cellular networks or Wi-Fi are unavailable.

Emergency SOS Via Satellite Expands to Japan

The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is designed to help users in emergencies where conventional communication methods are inaccessible. With iOS 17.6, users in Japan can now access this life-saving feature, enabling them to send distress signals and communicate with emergency services via satellite. This functionality ensures that users can seek help even in the most remote or disconnected areas.

Feature Rollout and Availability

Originally, Emergency SOS via Satellite was available for free to iPhone 14 and later models in the US and Canada. Apple extended this free service for an additional year, making it available at no extra cost until at least 2025. The service has since been expanded to several other countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

iOS 17.6 Update Details

Alongside the new satellite feature, the iOS 17.6 update includes various bug fixes and performance improvements. Notably, it addresses issues related to the AVFoundation Capture subsystem and MarketplaceKit, tools primarily used by developers. These fixes aim to enhance the overall stability and functionality of the iOS system.

How to Access the New Feature

To utilize the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, iPhone users in Japan need to update their devices to iOS 17.6. Once updated, they can access the feature through the Emergency SOS settings on their iPhone. The update ensures that users have the latest safety tools at their disposal.

Future Updates and Enhancements

While iOS 17.6 does not introduce groundbreaking features, it sets the stage for the upcoming iOS 18 update, which was previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. The expansion of the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature highlights Apple’s commitment to enhancing user safety and connectivity.

The iOS 17.6 update signifies Apple’s ongoing efforts to improve its services and ensure that users in various regions have access to critical features designed to protect them in emergencies.