Apple has made Emergency SOS via satellite available in Norway, according to a support document updated on September 29. The feature allows people to text emergency services from supported locations when Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are unavailable.

The Norwegian rollout covers the iPhone 14 and newer, along with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and newer. Users must install iOS 26.4 or later on iPhone, or watchOS 26.4 or later on a compatible Apple Watch, for the feature to work in Norway.

Which Apple devices support the feature?

Emergency SOS via satellite is available on iPhone 14 and later models, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 3 and newer versions. Availability is therefore limited to Apple devices that support the required satellite communication hardware and software.

For users with an eligible device in Norway, the feature is intended for situations where neither a Wi-Fi connection nor a cellular network is available. Instead of relying on those conventional connections, users can send text messages to emergency services through a satellite connection.

Norway requires iOS 26.4 or watchOS 26.4

Apple lists iOS 26.4 and watchOS 26.4 as the minimum software versions for Emergency SOS via satellite in Norway. Devices running earlier releases will not meet the requirement listed in Apple’s support information.

The software requirement applies separately to each device. iPhone users need iOS 26.4 or later, while Apple Watch Ultra users need watchOS 26.4 or later. Updating compatible hardware will be necessary before attempting to use the service in Norway.

Satellite coverage has a latitude limitation

Apple warns that satellite connectivity might not work in locations above 62° latitude. That limitation is particularly relevant in Norway, where some areas lie farther north than the threshold specified in Apple’s support document.

As a result, Emergency SOS via satellite is not guaranteed everywhere in the country, even when the user has a supported device and the required software. Apple’s warning means users should consider the feature’s geographic limitations alongside the device and operating system requirements.

The Norwegian availability adds another supported location for Apple’s satellite emergency messaging service. The company’s support document provides the current device, software, and latitude conditions for using it there.