28-01-2025
Why does my phone say SOS? Here's what the emergency message means on iPhones
Are you seeing a strange message on your iPhone that reads SOS?
Here's what that message means, per Apple.
Apple Support says if you see "No Service" or "Searching" in the status bar on your iPhone or iPad, your device isn't connected to a cellular network.
If you see "SOS" or "SOS only" in the status bar, your device can still make emergency calls. The feature is available in the United States, Canada and Australia.
We use it in our texts and everyday slang. So, what does "SOS" actually mean? Here's everything you need to know about the term and its military origins, plus the feature on your iPhone that utilizes it for your safety.
Many think "SOS" stands for "save our souls" or "save our ship," but it actually doesn't stand for anything. SOS is a Morse Code distress signal.
Morse Code is a system that uses dots, dashes and spaces to communicate letters and numbers. It was first created during the 1830s by Samuel F.B. Morse but was later improved in 1851 to create the simpler, more precise International Morse Code system.
The U.S. officially adopted the signal after Titanic sank. Today, U.S. marine operations use the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System for signaling.
Apple's Emergency SOS notification calls local emergency numbers and emergency contacts to send your real-time location and alert for help. The function works even without cell service or WiFi.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why does my phone say SOS? What it means for iPhone, per Apple Support
