Apple gave the iOS 16.1.1 update today and it allows iPhone 14 series owners to use the satellite communication feature in emergency situations. To familiarize users with this new system, the demo mode can be accessed through the settings screen under the Emergency SOS option. When selected the cellular system and WiFi on the device will be temporarily turned off.
Then the device will provide a satellite direction finding tutorial with a graphic of the nearest satellite position and when it will appear if it fails to be detected the first time. The process of finding a satellite is quite simple.
We tested this feature in Hawaii and when on a hotel balcony there was a wall obstruction and the system suggested we go higher up. The process of connecting the iPhone 14 to the satellite takes about a minute.
After the connection to the satellite is made, the system will ask some common questions that need to be answered such as the type of emergency, vehicle damage if any and more. From our short experience testing it a while ago, this feature is easy to use and very useful. At this time the emergency satellite communication feature is only available to users in the United States.