Shock detection: the new function on the iPhone 14

During the launch of its iPhone 14 and new smartwatch models, Apple took the opportunity to show its new security feature called “Crash Detection”. With her, now the brand’s phones and watches will be able to determine if, in the face of a very violent jolt, it was a car accident.

With this function, Apple will try to save the lives of hundreds of drivers who suffer accidents on the road, sometimes so serious that they are not even able to call emergencies.

What is shock detection and how does it work?

The feature is designed to detect severe automobile crashes, such as rear-impact, front-impact, side-impact, or rollover collisions.. To determine if an accident has occurred, it uses the device’s GPS, as well as its accelerometers and microphones.

The idea is that in the event of a serious car accident, an option appears on the screen that allows you to call 911 for help. If after 20 seconds the user has not interacted to cancel the call, the device will contact emergency services automatically. In case you have configured an emergency contact, you will send them a message with your location.

When the emergency service answers the call, Siri will take care of playing an alert message every 5 seconds, warning that the owner of the phone has been in a serious car accident. It will then send its estimated location and search radius.

This novelty has nothing to do with emergency messages via satellite, since this is an Apple tool designed for when users are stranded somewhere without coverage. Instead, The iPhone 14 accident detector is designed for impacts in the car.

It should be noted that the system is well calibrated, so there is no risk of it being activated when the user stumbles or when the phone falls.

How to activate and deactivate the shock detection function?

The function does not require configuration since it is enabled by default on supported devices. In case you’re wondering, the devices that are compatible with accident detection are all iPhone 14 models, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2^to generation) and Apple Watch Ultra. Which means the whole new ecosystem of the company.

However, if you are concerned that the function may fail and call emergency services, You can disable it by following these steps:

1. Enter the section “Setting” from your Apple device.
2. Go to the bottom of the menu. There you will find the optionSOS emergencies” where you should enter.
3. In the section “accident detection”, uncheck the box next to Call after a serious accident.

And ready! In this way you will have managed to disable the option of detection of crashes. If at any time you want to activate it again, you just have to activate the switch again in the “Settings” section.