Emergency SOS Live Video Launching This Fall, Upon iOS 18 Release

Apple’s Emergency SOS Live Video will be launching this fall as part of the iOS 18 rollout. The feature, which was first revealed at Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, is shown to support the ability to live stream with 911 dispatchers and emergency responders in an emergency.

While Apple had detailed its intentions to launch the feature as part of iOS 18, it’s now reported via 9to5Mac that RapidSOS and Prepared will be supporting Apple’s Emergency SOS Live Video. Upon release, users can video chat with dispatchers during an emergency or accident. Dispatchers and responders can use this to stay in touch with those in need as they find their location.

Following WWDC 2024, Apple detailed its latest feature by saying, “Emergency SOS Live Video allows users to share context through streaming video and recorded media. In the middle of an emergency call, participating emergency dispatchers can send a request for a user to share live video or media from the user’s camera roll over a secure connection, making it easier and faster to get help.”

Apple’s Emergency SOS Live Video feature currently supports voice calls and text messages. The feature is also able to send location data to responders. With Emergency SOS via Satellite, texts and locations can be sent to emergency responders even if the user does not have a cell signal.

RapidSOS states that its support of Emergency SOS Live Video will be a no-cost upgrade. Its clients will be able to access the feature within RapidSOS Unite at no cost to ECCs.

Apple’s expanding emergency and safety features are widely available on iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. This includes Crash Detection, which launched in 2022. Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and the second generation SE also have access to Crash Detection. Fall Detection was also launched alongside the Apple Watch Series 4.