Explained: Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature for iPhone – Times of India

Roadside Assistance via Satellite on iPhone: What is it, how it works and more
The Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature is an add-on feature to Emergency SOS via the Satellite option. The feature is similar to Emergency SOS but will help iPhone users contact roadside assistance if their car breaks down in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite will work on all iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. The feature will be initially available only for users in the US. Apple is offering roadside assistance through a partnership with American Automobile Association (AAA) that provides emergency road service.
This feature will allow users to start a new text to Roadside Assistance and follow the onscreen steps to see how to connect — and stay connected — to a satellite. iPhones will then prompt users to answer a few key questions, like what model of the car they have and what kind of help they need.

Just like with Emergency SOS via Satellite, users will be able to text roadside assistance and choose what they need help with. Options demonstrated by the company include flat tire, no fuel, locked out, vehicle stuck, and vehicle does not start.

Once users reply to the questions, they will be connected with a AAA roadside assistance provider. The assistance provider will then send someone with the right equipment to help the user.
Such a service usually requires a membership to work, but iPhone users will be able to access the feature even if they’re not a member. However, Apple didn’t provide details on how much this service will cost without an AAA membership, but AAA is priced starting at $65 per year.
Apple is also offering two years of Emergency SOS via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite connectivity for free with the purchase of an ‌iPhone 14‌ or ‌iPhone 15‌. It is important to note that in the case of Roadside Assistance, users will need satellite connectivity and to pay the additional fee to AAA.
Meanwhile, the Emergency SOS via satellite feature helps iPhone users notify emergency responders in situations where there is no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity and they need assistance. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models can also detect severe car accidents using hardware sensors and advanced motion algorithms.