Apple has expanded its free Roadside Assistance via Satellite service to Australia, meaning iPhone users can now call for help if their car leaves them stranded when they’re off the grid.
Previously limited to the US and UK, Apple’s Roadside Assistance via Satellite service requires an iPhone 14 or later with satellite capabilities, and iOS 18.4 or later.
Apple’s satellite services continue to be free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later, but users will need to pay roadside assistance providers for their services.
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The Roadside Assistance via Satellite service can be used in Australia to get help from NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT.
As of September 15, Aussie iPhone users who have a vehicle breakdown, a flat tyre, run out of fuel or charge, or simply lock themselves out of their car while off-grid can request roadside assistance from these providers via text message using Roadside Assistance via Satellite.
To use the service, you must be in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage, and be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
In your iPhone’s Control Center, accessed by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen, tap the Cellular button on the right and then tap Satellite. Alternatively, you can tap Satellite from within the Settings app.
Then, follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite, choosing Roadside Assistance to request help for your vehicle.
If you have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, the Satellite option in Settings won’t appear and the Satellite option in Control Center opens the Satellite Connection Demo.
In the Messages app, when you’re off the grid with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, you’ll get a prompt to Use Messages via Satellite. Tap the prompt, then tap the Dynamic Island again to open Connection Assistant.
In Messages, tap the New Message button to start a conversation. In the address field, type “Roadside’”.
When you’re off the grid, you’ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite.
Tap Roadside Assistance, follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.
Alternatively, you can type “roadside assistance”, “help”, “send help”, “emergency”, “emergencies”, “service”, or “flat tire”.
To make sure you can access Roadside Assistance via satellite using these key words, Apple suggests updating your iPhone with the latest software before going off the grid.