Apple’s satellite safety features once again proved their real-world value this week after survivors of a catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe used Emergency SOS via satellite to stay connected with rescuers.
According to a report from The New York Times, six survivors relied on Apple’s satellite connectivity tools to communicate with authorities during the rescue effort.
Emergency SOS via Satellite played a critical role
Don O’Keefe, Chief of Law Enforcement for the California Office of Emergency Services, confirmed that survivors used Emergency SOS via satellite on their iPhones to maintain contact with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
One rescue official communicated with a guide for roughly four hours, relaying information and coordinating which rescue operations could safely proceed.
The avalanche struck a 15-person group on a multi-day ski trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Six survived. Eight were killed, and one person remains missing and presumed dead, according to CNN.
How Emergency SOS via Satellite works
Emergency SOS via satellite is available on:
- iPhone 14 or later
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
When a user attempts to contact emergency services without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, the device automatically offers satellite connectivity.
The process includes:
- A guided questionnaire to gather key emergency details
- On-screen instructions showing where to point the device to connect to a satellite
- Direct communication with emergency services via text relay
The feature is free for two years after activating an eligible device.
More than just emergency calls
Apple’s satellite connectivity extends beyond emergency services. Users can also:
- Send iMessages and SMS via satellite
- Share their location through Find My
In remote environments like the Sierra Nevada, where traditional connectivity is unreliable, these tools can provide a critical safety net.
Another real-world example of satellite technology saving lives
This latest incident adds to a growing list of real-world rescues made possible by Apple’s satellite features. While the technology was initially viewed as a niche addition, events like the Lake Tahoe avalanche demonstrate its tangible life-saving impact.
For outdoor enthusiasts, backcountry skiers, and remote travelers, satellite connectivity on iPhone and Apple Watch is no longer just a feature. It is a potentially critical survival tool.
