In a dramatic testament to Apple’s innovative satellite technology, six skiers survived a harrowing avalanche near Lake Tahoe thanks to the iPhone’s Emergency SOS feature, which enabled them to text emergency responders despite being in a remote area with no cellular service. The incident unfolded on February 17, 2026, when an avalanche struck the group in a rugged backcountry area near Nevada County, California. Buried under snow and cut off from traditional communication networks, the skiers activated the Emergency SOS via satellite on their iPhones, allowing them to send critical text messages to rescuers. This feature, combined with an emergency beacon, facilitated a coordinated rescue effort that ultimately saved all six lives. With no cell signal or Wi-Fi available in the isolated terrain, the survivors’ iPhones automatically prompted the use of satellite connectivity after failed attempts to dial 911. The feature requires the device to have a clear view of the sky, which the group managed despite the challenging conditions. Once connected, they were able to relay their location, describe the emergency, and provide updates to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Communication lasted over a four-hour period, with one of the group’s guides maintaining contact to coordinate the rescue. Don O’Keefe, law enforcement chief for California’s Office of Emergency Services, highlighted the feature’s role, according to The New York Times: “One of my personnel was communicating with one of the guides over a four-hour period, giving information back to the Nevada sheriff’s office and coordinating what rescues could be permitted.” The survivors were eventually extracted from the site, underscoring how timely access to satellite-based messaging can bridge life-threatening gaps in remote areas. This Lake Tahoe rescue isn’t the first time Apple’s satellite tech has made headlines. During Hurricane Milton in October 2024, iPhone users in affected areas used the feature to send texts when power outages and storm damage knocked out cell towers. Such stories highlight the growing importance of satellite connectivity in an era of extreme weather and outdoor adventures. For Apple enthusiasts and safety-conscious users, this incident reinforces the value of carrying an iPhone in remote locations. As backcountry skiing and other high-risk activities gain popularity, features like Emergency SOS could become standard expectations for modern smartphones. MacDailyNews Take: Introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite is designed for situations exactly like this — where traditional networks fail. Compatible with iPhone 14, 15, 16, and 17 models running iOS 16.1 or later in the U.S., the feature uses a network of low-Earth orbit satellites to transmit short text messages to emergency services. It’s free for the first two years after activating an eligible iPhone, ensuring accessibility without ongoing costs. Apple has also extended satellite capabilities beyond emergencies, allowing users to text friends and family in non-cellular areas. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by <a href=”http The post iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite proves lifesaver for six skiers buried in Lake Tahoe avalanche appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Thursday, February 19, 2026
iPhone’s Emergency SOS via Satellite proves lifesaver for six skiers buried in Lake Tahoe avalanche
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