Bec Oakes
Apple has come out with a feature for iPhones that could save your life, but users are in two minds about it.
Smartphones are full of handy features that make going about your daily life that little bit easier.
But one Apple feature has a far more important purpose.
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Launched in 2022, 'Crash Detection' can assist those involved in accidents by calling for help once activated.
It is currently available on iPhone 14 or later, Apple Watch (Series 8 or later), Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Ultra or later.
The Apple website says: "If your iPhone or Apple Watch detects a severe car crash, your device can help connect you to emergency services. Emergency calls use a mobile data connection or Wi-Fi Calling with an internet connection from your Apple Watch or iPhone."
And, if you choose to add an emergency contact in the feature's settings, your device will also send a message to share your location with them, letting them know that you’ve been in an accident.
A woman recently shared on Reddit how Crash Detection led to her receiving a text alert after her sister was involved in a car crash.
She shared a screenshot of the 'scary' message, which read: "Crash Detected SOS. I called emergency services from this approximate location after iPhone detected a crash. You are receiving this message because I have listed you as an emergency contact."
The woman said the message left her feeling 'feeling nervous' when she called her sister and she didn't pick up the phone.
"Luckily her husband called me and said he spoke to her and she was okay," she added.
Her sister suffered just a few broken ribs in the crash but the feature has left other Reddit users feeling unnerved.
One person wrote: "I would freak out if I got this – my sister is my best friend."
Another said: "That message must have been TERRIFYING to receive. Glad she's OK. Hope you are too."
Others shared their stories of how Crash Detection saved their lives.
"This happened to my brother, he got into a bad accident which left him unconscious so he wasn’t able to dial emergency services, the phone automatically called them and notified me," one person shared.
"I didn’t even know about this feature at the time."
And another said: "Got rear ended by a garbage truck this past summer, totaled my car and phone went flying on impact. Passengers were knocked out cold. My watch automatically called 911 and I was able to get help.
"It's a feature you hope you never have to use but sure as hell glad it's there when you need it."