How Emergency SOS feature on iPhone helped rescue six avalanche survivors

Apple iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature recently gained attention after being used during a rescue operation following an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in the United States. As per The New York Times report, stranded skiers relied on satellite communication on an iPhone to stay connected with emergency responders when traditional networks were unavailable.

How Emergency SOS via Satellite enabled communication

Per the report, six survivors used an iPhone equipped with Emergency SOS via Satellite to exchange messages with rescue teams when cellular connectivity was unavailable. The incident involved a group caught in an avalanche in the Nevada and California region, where harsh terrain and lack of signal made conventional communication difficult.

Authorities said that one of the ski guides stayed in touch with emergency services for several hours, sharing updates that helped coordinate rescue decisions. The feature works by connecting compatible iPhones to satellites when a normal emergency call fails to go through. Users must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky for the device to establish a connection.

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Once linked, short text messages can be sent to emergency responders, allowing them to request location details, medical information and other critical updates.

Supported devices and how the feature operates

Emergency SOS via Satellite is available on iPhone models starting from the iPhone 14 series and later, provided the device runs compatible software. Apple introduced the feature to assist users in remote areas where mobile networks are unavailable.

Here’s how to use the feature:

Step 1: Attempt a regular emergency call. If it fails, select Emergency SOS via Satellite.

Step 2: Move to an open area and follow on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite.

Step 3: Answer the prompts and exchange short text messages with responders until help arrives.

This is not the first time Apple’s safety features have played a role in real-world emergencies. In January 2025, reports highlighted how an Apple Watch helped save a skier and his companions after a 1,000-foot fall, demonstrating how wearable and smartphone safety tools are increasingly becoming critical during outdoor incidents. The recent Lake Tahoe avalanche further reinforces the growing importance of satellite-enabled communication for users travelling in remote areas.

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