Roadside Assistance via Satellite Expands to Australia

Monday September 15, 2025 1:59 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Roadside Assistance via Satellite is now available in Australia, allowing Australian iPhone users to get help if their car breaks down in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

apple roadside assistance
According to Apple, Roadside Assistance via Satellite can be used in Australia to get help from NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT.

Using the feature requires an iPhone 14 or later with satellite capabilities, and iOS 18.4 or later. There continues to be no charge for Apple's satellite services, though customers who use Roadside Assistance will need to pay the fee of the company that responds.

Both Australians and international travelers who visit Australia are able to use the Roadside Assistance feature.

Prior to now, Roadside Assistance via Satellite was limited to the United States and United Kingdom. Apple says that it is working to bring the functionality to additional regions.

Tags: Australia, Emergency SOS via Satellite, iPhone Satellite Features

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Top Rated Comments

Radeon85

13 months ago

Considering how large Australia is, I'm surprised it wasn't there already. Sod all coverage in the outback looking at their coverage map, so this should be great for a backup.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

aussie-reader

13 months ago

''though customers who use Roadside Assistance will need to pay the fee of the company that responds.''

Did that really need clarifying? lol

That would probably be a "Yes" so people do not assume it would be free to all.

In Australia several of the services provided by satellite would usually be free to Australians. The Roadside Assistance would probably also be free (up to certain limits) if you are a member of any one of the organisations listed as they have sharing arrangements in place. If you are not a member then you may have to pay depending upon where you are needing help.

Travel insurance should cover most of the fees for non Australians again up to the limits of the policy.

There are also free regional services, for example if they are in the area that I manage all services provided are free 24x7 to everybody from anywhere as there is a high risk to people who become stranded for whatever reason and we do not want the issue of a future bill to stop them calling for help. We do accept donations though ...

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

kirky29

13 months ago

That would have been pretty handy for me a few years ago when I travelled for a few years! I broke down not far from Wolf Creek (Yes, that Wolf Creek) and another time a couple of hours away from Alice Springs. Fun times 🤣

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)