Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, which allows users to send text messages to emergency services in areas with no cellular or WiFi coverage, has been expanded to four new countries. The service launched in the US and Canada last month and was recently extended to the UK, France, Germany, and Ireland. More countries are expected to be added in the future. But Apple’s plans go beyond that.

Apple satellite plans could go further than emergency services

While the emergency service is currently limited to text-based communications, a patent granted on the same day suggests that Apple’s plans for satellite communications may extend beyond emergency use. The patent describes how the company could use satellite comms for voice, video, and other media data. Here’s how Apple describes its new patent:

Apple satellite

“If a user is not able to reach emergency services because no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is available, an easy-to-use interface appears on iPhone to get the user help utilizing a satellite connection. A short questionnaire appears to help the user answer vital questions with a few simple taps, which is transmitted to dispatchers in the initial message, to ensure they are able to quickly understand a user’s situation and location…

Following the questionnaire, the intuitive interface guides the user where to point their iPhone to connect and sends the initial message. This message includes the user’s questionnaire responses; location, including altitude; iPhone battery level; and Medical ID, if enabled. The questionnaire and follow-up messages are relayed directly via satellite to dispatchers that accept text messages, or to relay centers staffed by Apple‑trained specialists who can call for help on the user’s behalf. The transcript can also be shared with the user’s emergency contacts to keep them informed.”

Apple has currently committed $450m to support the satellite communications feature, a significant amount of money even by Apple’s standards for a service that will only be used by a small fraction of iPhone owners. However, if the service is the start of something bigger, then the investment could look rather modest.

Apple satellite communications technology is evolving from being used only by adventurers and yacht owners to being accessible to ordinary internet users. As such, there may be sense in Apple investing in the technology. Of course, as with all patents, it’s important to note that Apple patents many more ideas than ever make it into actual products and services.

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