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Apple introduces “Crash Detection” in iOS16
Enrica Lazzarini
Cupertino company unveils the new road safety feature
Having previewed iOS16 at last June's WWDC developer conference, Apple has finally released this long-awaited update. As part of the latest operating system, there is more customisation throughout the user experience, starting with the lock screen. However, what caught our attention most is the new “Crash Detection” function, which can detect a serious accident and call for assistance if necessary.
In addition to detecting front, side, and rear-end collisions, sensor technology in Apple devices also detects rollovers involving sedans, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and other vehicles. iPhone and Apple Watch (if worn) notify the user of an accident and display a warning: if the user cannot read or reach the screen, iPhone reads the warning aloud and displays an emergency call cursor. On the other hand, Apple Watch vibrates and displays emergency services that may be contacted.
In the event that the user does not intervene (after 20 seconds), the device automatically contacts the emergency services, informing them that there is a serious accident as well as sending the GPS coordinates so that the vehicle can be easily located and rescued.
In addition to detecting front, side, and rear-end collisions, sensor technology in Apple devices also detects rollovers involving sedans, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and other vehicles. iPhone and Apple Watch (if worn) notify the user of an accident and display a warning: if the user cannot read or reach the screen, iPhone reads the warning aloud and displays an emergency call cursor. On the other hand, Apple Watch vibrates and displays emergency services that may be contacted.
In the event that the user does not intervene (after 20 seconds), the device automatically contacts the emergency services, informing them that there is a serious accident as well as sending the GPS coordinates so that the vehicle can be easily located and rescued.
Crash Detection is available on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Ultra.
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Among other automotive innovations, Apple CarPlay has been restyled, maps have been enhanced and digital keys can now be managed on mobile devices even more easily.
The CarPlay system is capable of adapting to a wide variety of screen sizes and layouts. Furthermore, it enables users to manage various car settings (including air conditioning and seat heating) directly from its operating system. For the first time, the system now displays basic information such as the gear engaged, speed, consumption, range as well as water and oil temperatures on other screens within the vehicle, such as the dashboard.
Additionally, new features were introduced regarding the management of digital car keys. These allow certain cars to be opened and used without having to carry a physical key. However, this feature is currently only available in the United States and Canada. With iOS 16 in these countries, it will be possible to share digital keys via iMessage or email, thus allowing other individuals to use the car, while leaving the owner the possibility to administer the time of use, as well as being able to set speed or geographic limits.
It is currently unclear if and when this feature will be made available in Europe, nor which cars will be compatible. There will be more information, including the release date, on all of these updates and the new CarPlay later this year.
The CarPlay system is capable of adapting to a wide variety of screen sizes and layouts. Furthermore, it enables users to manage various car settings (including air conditioning and seat heating) directly from its operating system. For the first time, the system now displays basic information such as the gear engaged, speed, consumption, range as well as water and oil temperatures on other screens within the vehicle, such as the dashboard.
Additionally, new features were introduced regarding the management of digital car keys. These allow certain cars to be opened and used without having to carry a physical key. However, this feature is currently only available in the United States and Canada. With iOS 16 in these countries, it will be possible to share digital keys via iMessage or email, thus allowing other individuals to use the car, while leaving the owner the possibility to administer the time of use, as well as being able to set speed or geographic limits.
It is currently unclear if and when this feature will be made available in Europe, nor which cars will be compatible. There will be more information, including the release date, on all of these updates and the new CarPlay later this year.
