Apple finally brings game-changing car breakdown feature to iPhones in the UK that ALL drivers need to know about

A GAME-changing feature to help motorists in broken down cars has finally come to iPhones in Britain.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite, which lets users call for help while in a cellular blackspot, was launched in the United Stated in September 2023, and has now become available in the UK.

Users need an iPhone 14 or later handset in order to use the feature, which also requires the device to be in an area without wifi or mobile signal.

In Britain, the breakdown partner is Green Flag.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite is free for two years after the iPhone is activated, but users will still have to pay Green Flag for their service.

The feature can be opened within the Mobile Data section of the Control Centre, or from the Satellite section of the Settings app.

After connecting to a satellite, users must answer a series of questions about the nature of the issue.

The location of the iPhone and details of the problem will then be sent to the assisting party.

The device needs to be running iOS 17 or later to connect.

Apple said in a statement: “If you need help with car trouble while off the grid — for example, if you’re locked out, have a flat tyre or have run out of fuel or charge — you can contact a roadside service provider via satellite to request roadside assistance.

“To connect to a satellite with your iPhone, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.

“When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different to sending or receiving a message via mobile connection.

“Roadside Assistance via satellite is free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (any model).”

HOW DOES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE VIA SATELLITE ON IPHONE WORK

For a start, you’ll need to install iOS 18 or iOS 17.

That’s the latest iOS download that you’ll find in Settings > General > Software Update.

Then you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

To make a request for Road Assistance via Satellite, just head into the Messages app.

Then tap on the New Message button and type Roadside into the address field.

This will start a conversation where you’ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via Satellite.

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As well as that, if you try to call 999 and it won’t connect, you’ll be given the option to text either emergency services or Green Flag via satellite.

Once you begin the process, you’ll be asked to answer a few questions about your situation.

Then you’ll be connected via satellite with a Green Flag agent.

You’ll get guidance on how to connect to a satellite, as well as receiving info about the status of your request.

It’s worth noting that connections to satellite can be tricky.

You’ll need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.

And establishing a connection might take anything from a few seconds to a minute.

“Reducing risk for motorists and getting them back on the road quickly are at the core of our Green Flag business,” said Adam Winslow, chief exec at Direct Line Group.

“Which is why we are delighted to offer breakdown services through Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite.

“Using satellite-enabled iPhone models and Apple’s satellite services, we can provide drivers with the reassurance that even when they don’t have mobile reception or Wi-Fi access, or are in the most remote of locations, help is at hand.”