Those from Cupertino announced that in iOS 16.4 they will improve the accident detection function to avoid false calls to emergency services.
Good news for iPhone 14 users. According to Apple, iOS 16.4 will improve accident detection, specifically optimize to avoid false emergency calls. It is worth mentioning that those from Cupertino have been awaiting the progress of said function, they made an update last November in iOS 16.1.2 and in iOS 16.3.1 last month.
Accident detection, one more added value for the iPhone and Apple Watch
This feature was included in all iPhone 14 models and in the latest Apple Watch models. Our devices will be able to detect if we have suffered a serious accident. It automatically calls the emergency services if the user does not respond within 20 seconds.
What is the problem with fake calls? In the U.S downed skiers are mistaken for people in their car. Given these falls, there has been an increase in calls to 911, which is already being the focus of attention in areas such as Minnesota, Colorado, New York, among others.
Accident detection on iPhone
Winter has already ended but Apple should pay special attention to this detail. Briefly analyzing the situation, many of these ski users who carry an iPhone 14 or a recent Apple Watch are not aware of how it works accident detection. 20 seconds might seem like an eternity but while the user recovers from his fall in the snow he will not have time to cancel that emergency call.
Will Apple fix the problem?
At the end of the day they are falls, as it can be a soft or hard fall. On this last case, the user will like to know that he is protected by his device and that you will not have to take any action for them to come to your aid. The same way, in car accidents or mishapsthe same user You could be in a minor accident that deploys airbags and causes a blow that could render you unconscious.
Detection of car accidents on an Apple Watch Ultra
Given that, no one, not even Apple, will be able to control it. What parameters are taken into account for accident detection? According to apple support page, “accident detection detects serious car accidents (front, side and rear impacts) and rollovers”. The sensors of each device are used for detection, from the microphone to detect loud sounds to those of the Apple Watch.
If we take into account the sound of the snow at the moment of an impact, however, it is a loud sound. If there is no movement, the watch or mobile will activate the accident detection. Those of Cupertino must work in this type of situation, maybe take heart rate values and activity into account that the user is doing. If any exercise activity is activated on an Apple Watch, this could be taken into account to activate the mechanism in a real accident or not if it is a soft fall in the snow.