Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Cars break down. It's a fact. Unfortunately, they also break down in the worst possible moments, sometimes in the middle of nowhere, where getting roadside assistance is more difficult.
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to receiving help in a remote area is the lack of a cellular signal. Roadside assistance providers would gladly help you (at the right price) as long as you find a way to let them know and provide your location.
That's where the latest-generation iPhones come to the rescue. iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 come bundled with a feature called satellite roadside assistance, allowing you to contact the roadside assistance dispatchers even without a cellular signal.
The feature works by connecting your phone to a satellite and sending essential information, including the car issue you need help with, to the call center. Apple partnered with AAA to offer satellite roadside assistance in the United States, with the service offered to both AAA members and customers without a subscription.
Now, Apple has partnered with Verizon to expand the service in the United States. iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners who launch satellite roadside assistance using a Verizon SIM card will be connected to the Signature Motor Club, following the same steps as in AAA's case. The connection comprises a multi-step wizard that'll guide you in establishing the basic conversation with the dispatcher.
Verizon offers Roadside Assistance at $4.99 per line, with the plan including towing up to 10 miles in a coverage area (this wouldn't be the case if you reach out to the dispatchers from the middle of the jungle using the satellite connection), tire change, battery jumpstart, fuel delivery, and car lockout service.
If you're new to satellite roadside assistance, the first thing you must know is that you'll need an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 in an area without a cellular signal. The first step involves launching the Messages app and composing a New Message. You must type "Roadside" in the contact field, and if you meet the criteria, you'll see a suggestion for "Roadside Assistance via Satellite." A wizard will guide you through the rest of the process to connect to a call center where you can chat with a dispatcher and ask for help.
However, the service is only available in the United States, with Apple so far remaining tight-lipped on a potential expansion to non-US regions. Verizon customers must be running at least iOS 17.2 to get roadside assistance when losing the cellular signal.
Customers in the United States can use satellite connectivity free of charge for two years after they activate an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. Roadside assistance is available for subscribers and non-subscribers, though the latter will have to pay hefty fees for receiving help in the middle of nowhere.
That's where the latest-generation iPhones come to the rescue. iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 come bundled with a feature called satellite roadside assistance, allowing you to contact the roadside assistance dispatchers even without a cellular signal.
The feature works by connecting your phone to a satellite and sending essential information, including the car issue you need help with, to the call center. Apple partnered with AAA to offer satellite roadside assistance in the United States, with the service offered to both AAA members and customers without a subscription.
Now, Apple has partnered with Verizon to expand the service in the United States. iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners who launch satellite roadside assistance using a Verizon SIM card will be connected to the Signature Motor Club, following the same steps as in AAA's case. The connection comprises a multi-step wizard that'll guide you in establishing the basic conversation with the dispatcher.
Verizon offers Roadside Assistance at $4.99 per line, with the plan including towing up to 10 miles in a coverage area (this wouldn't be the case if you reach out to the dispatchers from the middle of the jungle using the satellite connection), tire change, battery jumpstart, fuel delivery, and car lockout service.
If you're new to satellite roadside assistance, the first thing you must know is that you'll need an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 in an area without a cellular signal. The first step involves launching the Messages app and composing a New Message. You must type "Roadside" in the contact field, and if you meet the criteria, you'll see a suggestion for "Roadside Assistance via Satellite." A wizard will guide you through the rest of the process to connect to a call center where you can chat with a dispatcher and ask for help.
However, the service is only available in the United States, with Apple so far remaining tight-lipped on a potential expansion to non-US regions. Verizon customers must be running at least iOS 17.2 to get roadside assistance when losing the cellular signal.
Customers in the United States can use satellite connectivity free of charge for two years after they activate an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. Roadside assistance is available for subscribers and non-subscribers, though the latter will have to pay hefty fees for receiving help in the middle of nowhere.
Google News