Connecting to Emergency Services on iPhone and Apple Watch in Australia

Staying connected to emergency services is essential, especially in a country as expansive and geographically diverse as Australia.

iPhone is designed with multiple layers of connectivity to help users reach emergency services, even when traditional cellular coverage is limited. In addition to standard mobile networks, iPhone supports Wi-Fi Calling and satellite services^* to help ensure access when you need it the most. Make sure to keep your iPhone software up to date to take advantage of the latest connectivity features.

Apple Watch GPS + Cellular models with an active carrier plan allow you to make calls, send text messages and more, all without your iPhone. Cellular models of Apple Watch can make an emergency call in many locations, provided that cellular service is available, even without an active carrier plan. Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports Emergency SOS via satellite*, providing crucial connection to help in remote areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi. Similar to iPhone, make sure to keep your Apple Watch software up to date for access to the latest features.

Australian mobile network operators continue to improve support for emergency calling on their networks. This follows prior incidents, including a technical failure that prevented some older mobile phones from being able to make emergency calls (Triple Zero). This impacted some Australians in regional areas who attempted to make an emergency call when their primary mobile network was unavailable, even though an alternate network was available and should have connected the call. Mobile operators are taking steps to mitigate future issues.

In the rare event that these exceptional circumstances affecting mobile operators’ networks were to happen again, some older mobile phones might still encounter the same issue reaching emergency services through an alternate available network.

Software updates are available for the following iPhone and Apple Watch models that might be impacted by this network issue. You are encouraged to update your devices to the latest software version.

iPhone

• iPhone SE (1st generation)

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

• iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

• iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus

• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

• iPhone X

• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

• iPhone XR

• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple Watch

• Apple Watch SE 2

• Apple Watch Series 6

• Apple Watch Series 7

• Apple Watch Series 8

• Apple Watch Series 9

• Apple Watch Series 10

• Apple Watch Ultra

• Apple Watch Ultra 2

Updating iOS on iPhone

To check for and install software updates:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap General, then tap Software Update. The currently installed version of iOS is shown, and whether an update is available.

3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Learn more about updating iOS on iPhone, including how to set up automatic updates.

Updating watchOS on Apple Watch

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

2. Tap the My Watch tab.

3. Tap General, then tap Software Update.

4. Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.

5. Wait for the progress wheel to appear on your Apple Watch. It could take from several minutes to an hour for the update to be completed.

If your Apple Watch has watchOS 6 or later, you can install updates without your iPhone as follows:

1. Make sure that your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi.

2. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

3. Tap General, then tap Software Update.

4. Tap Install if a software update is available, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Learn more about updating watchOS on Apple Watch.