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iPhone Roadside Assistance via Satellite Feature Now Available in UK

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Apple's Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature for iPhones is now live in the United Kingdom, based on a recent update to Apple's support documentation.

apple roadside assistance
The quiet launch follows Apple's announcement during its iPhone 16 event in September that the feature would expand to the UK later in the year.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite enables iPhone users to contact breakdown services in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. UK breakdown rescue service Green Flag has partnered with Apple to provide assistance to stranded motorists via the feature in areas with poor connectivity.

According to the updated support page, the service is available on a pay-per-use basis for those who are not Green Flag members, though specific pricing details have not been disclosed. Apple offers its satellite services, including Roadside Assistance, free for the first two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or later.

For Roadside Assistance via Satellite to work when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, users need to be in an open area with a clear view of the sky and horizon, according to Apple.

To use the feature, open the Messages app and start a new message. Next, type "roadside" into the address field, and a "Roadside Assistance" option will appear. Tap on "Roadside Assistance" and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your iPhone to a satellite and request help.

The feature is compatible with iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 17 or later. The UK expansion follows Apple's established partnerships with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance in the US.

(Thanks, Jack!)

Tags: Emergency SOS via Satellite, United Kingdom

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Top Rated Comments

P
Pezimak
22 months ago

What network are you on? I haven't had no signal at all whilst being on road where this feature would be used in a long time.
Three and EE. And I am in Dorset and there are black spots. The UK does not have coverage everywhere. The 3G switch off has also made it worst in some areas on different networks. This feature will certainly help in more rural areas.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
lusty
22 months ago
So in an emergency I have to remember that I need to write a message to “roadside” that’s not in my address book to access what we call breakdown assistance in the Uk.

Does anyone remember when Apple made things easy to use? Jobs wouldn’t have let this get past the testing phase with an interface like that.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Poisednoise Avatar
Poisednoise
22 months ago

In GB you have to go to the left side of the forest, then it works (sry but i had to...) 🤣.
Wondering whether it’s worth pointing out that over a third of the world’s population, including that of the world’s most populous country, drive on the left. It’s not as uncommon as you might think.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Poisednoise Avatar
Poisednoise
22 months ago
Quite a coup for Green Flag I would imagine, given that they are surely number three for roadside assistance in the UK by quite a long way.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
PeteS1963
22 months ago

What network are you on? I haven't had no signal at all whilst being on road where this feature would be used in a long time.
I spent most days out in the New Forest and there are large areas with no signal at all. Doesn’t matter what network you are on. Forestry England doesn’t like mobile masts in what is a SSSI.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pacmania1982 Avatar
pacmania1982
22 months ago
Don't forget like MOST of the highlands in Scotland and especially on the islands. This would be super cool for them. I didn't realise iMessage via satellite hadn't rolled out here so couldn't work out why I couldn't do it on a ferry in the middle of the Bay of Biscay a few weeks back.

I'd also like to know what the ongoing price for this will be too. Originally when all the satellite stuff was launched with the iPhone 14 (Pro/Pro Max??) - Apple said it was going to be free for two years. Hasn't it been two years now for those who bought iPhones and tried it then? No mention of costs moving forwards and it's only going to get bigger.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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