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Emergency SOS via Satellite is on iPhone 14 and later
An injured climber stranded above 10,000 feet on Snowmass Mountain in Colorado was rescued after using Apple’s satellite texting feature on his iPhone to call for help.
According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, the 53-year-old man reached the summit on Sunday. During his descent, he injured his wrist and was unable to continue alone, according to KDVR.
Without cell service or Wi-Fi in the remote area, he used Apple’s satellite texting capability to contact a family member. That relative alerted the sheriff’s office and Mountain Rescue Aspen.
Apple’s satellite texting, available on recent iPhone models, allows users to send messages in emergencies when regular networks are unavailable.
The Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received the alert around 8:25 a.m. Monday. The climber was at Snowmass Lake, nearly 11,000 feet in elevation and about 8.3 miles from the Snowmass Creek trailhead.
A team of 17 rescuers from Mountain Rescue Aspen responded. Officials said the injured man could not walk out on his own. Rescuers carried him to safety.
Growing use of satellite SOS technology
Rescue officials stressed that carrying an emergency device or knowing how to use satellite texting can speed up rescues.
Apple’s Emergency SOS feature is designed for remote areas without cell towers. It enables direct communication with rescuers, reducing response times.
Reliable communication is critical in the backcountry. Colorado’s rugged terrain and sudden weather changes can complicate rescues. Teams routinely advise hikers and climbers to plan carefully and bring tools that work even without a signal.
Safety trends in Colorado outdoors
Colorado has seen a significant rise in outdoor recreation over the past decade. More people are climbing “fourteeners,” which are peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation.
Many also backpack in remote wilderness areas and explore off established trails.
Reliable communication is critical in the backcountry
Mountain Rescue Aspen, like many teams in Colorado, relies on volunteers trained to respond in tough conditions, day or night. Calls for help have grown in number and complexity.
Tools such as Apple’s satellite texting help reduce the time rescuers spend locating people, improving outcomes and lowering risks for both victims and rescuers.
Safety experts advise visitors to know their routes, check weather forecasts, travel with partners, and carry essential gear, including emergency communication tools. Technology can support safe travel in the backcountry, but it can’t replace good planning and sound judgment.
Emergency SOS on Apple devices
Emergency SOS via satellite is available on iPhone 14 and later. It lets users message emergency services when cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable.
Apple Watch models don’t support satellite connectivity, but many offer safety features through cellular networks. Watches with cellular capability, such as Apple Watch Series 5 and later, Apple Watch SE models, and all Apple Watch Ultra models, can place emergency calls independently.
Additional features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and a loud siren on Apple Watch Ultra models help users stay safe by alerting responders or drawing attention in emergencies.
