Since iOS 11, Apple introduced new features to help iPhone users in a critical or emergency situation. With iOS 11, Apple tested the service Advanced Mobile Location (AML), through which it is allowed fast access to location to the one who calls an emergency number (911 - 112). The service is already available in areas where mobile operators support AML technology.
Also with iOS 11 was introduced the option "Emergency SOS” on the iPhone. Through "Emergency SOS" the user can set an emergency number what can be called by Press repeated five times of the "sleep/power”. From the "Emergency SOS" option, a strong alert sound can also be set. This option is always active, even if the iPhone is closed / blocked. The option is available in “Settings”→ Emergency SOS.
In addition to these options that can save the lives of iPhone owners or others around them, Apple recently announced a new feature that will be released this fall on iOS 12.
It was established that over 95% of the calls made to the emergency services are made from the place of the incident. There are many situations in which the caller of the emergency number cannot offer the operators the exact location where he is. Either he does not know exactly where he is at the time of the incident, or the delicate situation in which he is does not allow this. In this regard, Apple will deploy on iOS 12 a service that will allow sending the exact location of the caller of the 911 emergency number to the operator who takes the call. The location coordinates will be sent automatically and securely when the emergency number is called. The purpose of this feature is to significantly improve the response time of emergency services.
In accordance with “the privacy policy of users" Apple give assurances that only the operators of the emergency services during the call will have access to the users' location.
Apple already offers the service Hybridized Emergency Location (HELO) through which the person who calls an emergency number on the iPhone can be located approximately, using radio waves. On iOS 12, Apple will implement the services Next Generation 911 (NG911) of RapidSOS. This service will allow you to locate the emergency number caller with an accuracy of less than 50 meters.
This service will be offered starting this fall only for iPhone owners with iOS 12 from the USA. Most likely starting next year Apple will expand this service to other countries.
