Apple finally brings game-changing car breakdown feature to iPhones in the UK that ALL drivers need to know about
A GAME-changing feature to help motorists in broken down cars has finally come to iPhones in Britain.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite, which lets users call for help while in a cellular blackspot, was launched in the United Stated in September 2023, and has now become available in the UK.
AppleYou can easily connect to a satellite to summon roadside assistance with your iPhone[/caption]
Users need an iPhone 14 or later handset in order to use the feature, which also requires the device to be in an area without wifi or mobile signal.
In Britain, the breakdown partner is Green Flag.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite is free for two years after the iPhone is activated, but users will still have to pay Green Flag for their service.
The feature can be opened within the Mobile Data section of the Control Centre, or from the Satellite section of the Settings app.
After connecting to a satellite, users must answer a series of questions about the nature of the issue.
The location of the iPhone and details of the problem will then be sent to the assisting party.
The device needs to be running iOS 17 or later to connect.
Apple said in a statement: “If you need help with car trouble while off the grid — for example, if you’re locked out, have a flat tyre or have run out of fuel or charge — you can contact a roadside service provider via satellite to request roadside assistance.
“To connect to a satellite with your iPhone, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
“When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different to sending or receiving a message via mobile connection.
“Roadside Assistance via satellite is free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (any model).”
HOW DOES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE VIA SATELLITE ON IPHONE WORK
For a start, you’ll need to install iOS 18 or iOS 17.
That’s the latest iOS download that you’ll find in Settings > General > Software Update.
Then you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the following iPhone models:
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
To make a request for Road Assistance via Satellite, just head into the Messages app.
Then tap on the New Message button and type Roadside into the address field.
This will start a conversation where you’ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via Satellite.
AppleJust head into your Messages app to begin the process of getting roadside help via satellite[/caption]
AppleYou’ll be asked a few questions about your situation before help is dispatched[/caption]
As well as that, if you try to call 999 and it won’t connect, you’ll be given the option to text either emergency services or Green Flag via satellite.
Once you begin the process, you’ll be asked to answer a few questions about your situation.
Then you’ll be connected via satellite with a Green Flag agent.
You’ll get guidance on how to connect to a satellite, as well as receiving info about the status of your request.
It’s worth noting that connections to satellite can be tricky.
You’ll need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
And establishing a connection might take anything from a few seconds to a minute.
“Reducing risk for motorists and getting them back on the road quickly are at the core of our Green Flag business,” said Adam Winslow, chief exec at Direct Line Group.
“Which is why we are delighted to offer breakdown services through Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite.
“Using satellite-enabled iPhone models and Apple’s satellite services, we can provide drivers with the reassurance that even when they don’t have mobile reception or Wi-Fi access, or are in the most remote of locations, help is at hand.”
How to use Roadside Assistance via Satellite
Requesting Roadside Assistance via Satellite through Connection Assistant
Open Connection Assistant.
In Control Centre: Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Centre, tap the Mobile Data button on the right, then tap Satellite.
In the Settings app: Open Settings, then tap Satellite.
Next, follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite.
Choose Roadside Assistance to request help for your vehicle.
If you have mobile network or Wi-Fi coverage, the Satellite option in Settings won’t appear and the Satellite option in Control Centre opens the Satellite Connection Demo.
Request Roadside Assistance via satellite in the Messages app
In Messages, tap the New Message buttonthe New Message button to start a conversation.
In the address field, type “Roadside”. When you’re off the grid with no mobile and Wi-Fi coverage, you’ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite.
Tap “Roadside Assistance”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.
Roadside Assistance via satellite availability
You need an iPhone 14 or later (any model) with:
United States: iOS 17 or later to connect to AAA for roadside assistance.
United States: iOS 17.2 or later and a Verizon SIM to connect to Verizon for roadside assistance.
United Kingdom: iOS 17 or later to connect to Green Flag for roadside assistance.
You’ll need to be in a place with no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage.
You need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone
You need an active SIM.
Roadside Assistance via satellite is available in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and the UK.
Some roadside service providers may not support all states or territories.
International travellers who visit the US or UK can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their iPhone in certain countries or regions.
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