Apple has promoted many emergency features over the past few years, including emergency SOS via satellite for (hopefully rare) times when users may need help.Currently, the company is adding video calls to the standard emergency call feature.

To be clear, this does not seem to be a satellite-based feature. Instead, it is part of the existing emergency SOS feature and will contact emergency responders when you call 911 or any local number. This allowed users to "share context through streaming video and recording media," according to an Apple press release.

The idea is that the dispatcher can request video links and media from the camera roll to better understand what is happening and what help is needed. These are all shared over a secure connection, and Apple claims it will be "easier and faster to get help." 

There are many ways that this can prove invaluable in an emergency. For example, someone might call that they don't know exactly where they are, but the dispatcher can narrow down the location based on their surroundings, and similarly, someone who can't properly explain what the problem is can show the dispatcher what is happening, like a young child.

A better understanding of the situation also means that the dispatcher knows exactly what kind of response will be needed. It doesn't matter whether the caller exaggerates or downplays the situation.Being able to physically see what an emergency is, you can ensure a more appropriate response from the first responder.

Apple hasn't revealed exactly how this feature works, but it has a button that allows you to start video calls or share photos and videos during a call.

Of course, this is just one of the many upgrades that will be offered as part of IOS1 later this year. Apple uses satellite text messaging, even in non-emergency situations, along with a bunch of new customization options and the ability to lock or hide apps

But the biggest change is the launch of Apple Intelligence. Limited to only 2 iPhones (for now), this AI system should review what your phone can actually do. This includes new upgrades to Siri, image generation, ChatGPT support, and more.