Apple released a traffic accident detector last September with the launch of the new iPhone 14 series and new Apple Watch models. What exactly does this mean? In the event of an accident, you can easily call the emergency services.
According to Apple, the call for rescuers only happens if the specially designed shock detection feature detects a serious car accident. This is the case in the event of violent front, side or rear collisions or when overturning.
How does the shock detection function work?
Apple devices have a gyro sensor that includes the high-g-value accelerometer. With this high-g accelerometer, high G-forces can be recorded. These G forces occur in a serious accident. So your speed changes very quickly in a short time. At that point, the iPhone 14 or Apple Watch Series 8, SE and Ultra will issue an alert.
As a user, do you not respond to the alert? Then the iPhone or Apple Watch automatically calls emergency services. However, it appears that the detection of G forces does not always go well.
The emergency services called without there being an emergency
Where normally the new iPhone 14 and new Apple Watch series only contact emergency services in the event of a serious car accident, it seems that this doesn’t always work optimally. According to Wall Street newspaper the G-force is also strong enough to activate the accelerometer, if you are on a roller coaster.
Emergency services in the United States have been called multiple times due to the overactive incident detection feature. The ER received a report of a serious accident while the Apple owner was on a roller coaster. This has already happened six times.
Amusement parks warn of the Apple feature
Several amusement parks in the United States issue a warning for Apple Watch and devices similar to this one. This sign asks Apple owners not to bring the iPhone 14 or the new Apple Watch series on the attractions to avoid unnecessary emergency calls.
/data/photo/2022/07/20/62d7bbf75ecbe.jpg "The brightest rays appear far from Earth, suspected of a Black Death as large as 30 times the Sun.")