In a groundbreaking collaboration, tech giant Apple has partnered with the American Automobile Association (AAA) to introduce a cutting-edge Roadside Assistance via satellite feature for iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 users in the United States. This innovative addition comes as part of the iPhone 15 series launch, which unveiled a host of remarkable hardware upgrades on Tuesday.
The unveiling took place at Apple’s highly anticipated ‘Wonderlust’ launch event, where they shed light on the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature. This feature builds upon the foundation laid by the ‘Emergency SOS via satellite’ feature introduced with the iPhone 14 series last year. With ‘Roadside Assistance via satellite,’ iPhone owners now have the capability to seek help in situations where their vehicle encounters issues, leaving them stranded without cellular connectivity.
How Does It Work?
The concept is simple yet revolutionary. When iPhone users find themselves locked out of their vehicle or facing car-related problems like running out of fuel, battery charge, or dealing with a flat tire, and they are in areas lacking cellular network coverage or Wi-Fi access, this new feature comes to their rescue.
Apple has strategically partnered with AAA to offer this service to iPhone owners across the US. One notable aspect is that users won’t need to possess a AAA membership to access this invaluable service. Pricing details will be conveniently displayed on the smartphone screen before AAA dispatches the much-needed roadside assistance. This user-friendly approach ensures that help is just a few taps away.
However, there are certain prerequisites for the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature to function optimally. Users need to be outdoors with an unobstructed view of the sky and horizon, much like the requirements of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature introduced with the iPhone 14 series.
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Activation and Usage
Activating this feature is straightforward. Users can initiate the process by tapping the ‘New Message’ button and entering “Roadside” in the address field when they find themselves in situations without cellular network or Wi-Fi coverage. Once this is done, an option for Roadside Assistance will appear on the screen, guiding users through the necessary steps. By providing the required details and following the on-screen instructions, users can swiftly request assistance using the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature.
As of now, this feature is exclusively available in the United States, excluding the US Virgin Islands. International travelers visiting the US can also take advantage of this service during their stay, unless they purchased their iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 in Armenia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Russia, as specified by Apple.
Partnership
The partnership between Apple and AAA brings a much-needed lifeline to iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 owners, ensuring that help is never far away, even in remote areas with limited connectivity. With this innovative Roadside Assistance via satellite feature, Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the user experience and enhancing the functionality of its devices.