NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said a new partnership with Apple can help iPhone owners in car trouble.
"We're talking about Apple's technology, introduced with the iPhone 15 lineup as well as the iPhone 14, that makes it able to connect to us via satellite, even when there's no wi-fi or cell service. The roadside assistance via satellite is available to all iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 users in the U.S. That's regardless of whether they are a AAA member or not."
AAA responds to approximately 30 million calls for roadside assistance annually and serves more than 63 million members.
"Roadside assistance via satellite is built on technology that empowers Emergency SOS via satellite. That's technology that was launched by Apple in 2022," Steward said. "We're excited about it. It really opens up our ability to serve stranded motorists, especially when they are in a situation where they may not be able to normally call using their cell phone."
It is important to note that AAA may not be able to help if you are not on a road.
"There are some limitations in terms of where we can go to help rescue," Steward said. "There has to be a road fairly nearby. We're not going to be able to take a tow truck up the side of a mountain or deep into a forest, but, you know, as long as there is a road fairly nearby, we can get there and help out."
Service will be provided in the U.S. and Puerto Rico beginning September 22, 2023.
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