Apple is expected to launch its new Emergency SOS via Satellite feature here in the UK next week, after it has been available in the US and Canada since mid November. We reported at the same time that Apple was planning on bringing the feature to the UK at some stage, but it now seems that Apple is gearing up to make it live as soon as next week, on 13th December.

Apple announced Emergency SOS via Satellite during the launch of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro in September and offers users an alternative way to get in contact with emergency services when there is no cell coverage or WiFi, useful when hiking for example. Apple designed a simple easy to use UI that helps you get in contact with emergency services quickly, whilst making use of the low bandwidth it has. Apple even made it possible for users to share their location via Find My, using satellite.

Apple said back in November that the feature would expand out to France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK in December.

Emergency SOS via Satellite is free to use for the first two years after the initial purchase of an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, it also requires iOS 16.1 or later in order to work. It is unclear at the moment what Apple is planning to charge for the feature after two years.

Once we know any more information, we’ll update this post.