It's very cool that an iPhone will be able to do this; however, my Garmin inReach Mini has been able to do that for quite a number of years, with the additional functionality of either triggering preprogrammed messages or sending arbitrary text messages. It can also receive arbitrary text messages and request a weather forecast which is then interpreted by the device software. It uses the Iridium network (as opposed to Globalstar), and it most definitely is not free.
What’s better than no device? An iPhone with satellite…
So many people just so eager to jump in and say…this dedicated device is better. Yes…we all know. But you know what might be better for average people than 50 devices is one amazing device that can do many of those functions.
Don't think it will be a good thing, and probably will cause more harm than good.
Provides a "free" sense of false security for 2 years, then what?
What happens when someone declines paying for the service after 2 years, then finds themselves in a dire situation?
Then dies because their iPhone wouldn't save them for free?
My main problem with this “service” is how Apple has marketed it. See my above comment about their emotional marketing video to understand what I’m about to say. I will concede that there is a potential use for this service, but ONLY a very limited use. Use of the iPhone SOS should be limited to “roadside assistance” (or similar) scenarios where cell service is unlikely. One other possible example might be summer day hiking in a ski area with no cell service.
If you travel to remote wilderness locations where helicopter rescue would likely be necessary in an emergency, you will need a dedicated device and service.
But there is a HUGE variation in “remoteness” of wilderness areas, and also in people’s perception of “remoteness” in general. So it can be difficult for someone to understand what they actually need.
I’m not a SAR or ski patrol member, but I have some direct experience gained by helping a few distressed persons in wilderness areas. One of those persons is convinced he would have died if I (or someone else) didn’t find him by chance and get him help.
I've also experienced one criminal act (directly threatened with violence) while in the wilderness with no cell service. That taught me any SOS messenger is completely useless in such situations. Seeing the “Crime” button on the iPhone SOS UI made me laugh. Now I openly carry a much more effective solution to that type of problem (also works for bears).