Accidental iPhone or watch emergency call: stay tuned instead of cancelling

Last year Apple had the iPhone 14 and the Apple Watch Series 8 accident detection in connection with an automatic emergency call introduced. Since then there have been many reports of the successful use of the technology. However, there are also reports that accident detection and the automatic emergency call are activated when users are skiing or sitting on a roller coaster. Although there is a countdown until the emergency call center is called, this can quickly be overlooked and overheard when you are on the ski slope or in the amusement park. Apple has now adjusted its support information accordingly.

Don't cancel the call, but point out an error message

Apple has their support document HT213225 changed yesterday. The instructions deal with the accident detection of the iPhone and the Apple Watch, their function and process as well as the correct behavior when making an emergency call. In the German version of the support document, which was last adjusted on February 1, 2023, it still says: "If you don't want to contact emergency services, tap Cancel and confirm that you don't need emergency services." - In the English version linked above, this notice has been removed and replaced with the advice to stay tuned.

It says in detail: "If the call has been made, but you don't need emergency services, don't hang up. Wait until a responder answers, then explain that you don't need help." - So "If the call went through but you don't need emergency service, don't hang up. Wait for a member of staff to respond, then explain that you don't need any help.It remains to be seen when the German version of the support document will be provided with this notice. Because the translations of the English updates at support.apple.com always take a little time. But that's exactly why this post is here. So you know straight away.

Don't cancel an automatic iPhone or Watch emergency call

During the countdown that precedes the actual 112 call, one can still abort the process without falsely calling for help. However, if the call is established or you are already connected to the switchboard, you should not simply hang up. Because that can also be interpreted as an emergency - the mobile phone battery could have given up, you could have typed incorrectly or the phone could have fallen out of your hand. It is quite possible that rescue services will then be sent to the transmitted location. So the new note in the Apple support document makes sense and is important.

If you want to delve further into the topic, there are various sources on the Internet. The German Red Cross informed, for example about the emergency number 112 and about the questions that should be answered when making an emergency call. Furthermore, it is assured in several places that you can't do anything wrong. Only targeted misuse and thus the unnecessary tying up of resources will be punished. Apple should be prosecuted for an aborted emergency call that is automatically made by the iPhone or Apple Watch. But to avoid sending out emergency workers unnecessarily, stay tuned and make it clear that you don't need help.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.