What is Crash Detection?
Crash Detection is a new feature in iPhone 14 models and the new Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, and SE (2022). This feature allows your device to detect a car crash as soon as it happens and contact emergency services instantly. The new Crash Detection feature aims to improve safety and help support you when you might be incapacitated due to a crash. Let’s take a look at how this feature works.
How Does Crash Detection Work?
The company has added a new state-of-the-art accelerometer that has the capability to detect G-Forces up to 256Gs. This, combined with other sensors on your device, including the barometer, gyroscope, microphone, and more, helps the new iPhone 14 and Apple Watch detect when a car crash has occurred. Apple uses real-world data captured through industry standard car crash testing combined with machine learning processing to detect when you’ve been involved in a crash. Once a crash is detected by either your iPhone 14 or Apple Watch, it automatically triggers a call to emergency services. You will have 10 seconds to respond to this message on your screen. If a crash has been detected mistakenly, you can tap Cancel to avoid calling emergency services. If, however, an input is not detected by your device within 10 seconds, then it will automatically contact the emergency services in your region. Your device will also contact your emergency contacts if they have been set up and share your location with them as well.
Use Crash Detection on iPhone 14 and Apple Watch
Crash Detection is enabled by default for compatible devices out of the box. You do not need to enable it or activate it to start using the same. Here are the compatible devices currently supporting Crash Detection on iOS 16.
iPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14Apple Watch Series 8Apple Watch UltraApple Watch SE (2022)
All these devices can use Crash Detection and work simultaneously with each other to contact the emergency services when you’re involved in a car crash.
Crash Detection When Using Both iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8
When you’re using iPhone 14 with a compatible Apple Watch that features crash detection, then the two devices will work simultaneously with each other. Once either device has detected a crash, your Apple Watch will display the 10-second window to contact emergency services. This is because the watch is likely to be in close proximity to you if you’ve been involved in a car crash. If you do not cancel the SOS within 10 seconds, your Apple Watch will then use your iPhone (if it is in range) to contact emergency services.
Which vehicles are supported by Crash Detection?
Crash Detection currently supports 4-wheel passenger vehicles involved in severe crashes with a certain threshold of mass and G-Forces. Crash Detection prioritizes and detects crashes like high-impact front or rear collisions, rollovers, T-Bone crashes, and sideswipes.
Can you disable Crash Detection?
For now, it does not seem that you can disable Crash Detection on new devices. Apple might include this as a feature in future versions of iOS 16.
Will Low Power Mode affect Crash Detection?
No, Low Power Mode will not affect crash detection as sensors disabled during low power mode are not responsible for detecting crashes.
Final Words
We hope you never have to use crash detection on your device, but in the worst possible case, we hope this post helped you learn about this new feature on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
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