RACT and Apple to provide iPhone roadside help via satellite
We're working with Apple to bring roadside assistance to iPhone users when they're out of reception across Australia.
RACT members and iPhone users now have extra peace of mind when travelling beyond mobile reception, with Apple’s roadside assistance via satellite officially available across Australia.
We save on average 5,500 people a month with our roadside assistance. Now, users with iPhone 14 or later can access support when they are beyond mobile coverage, offering peace of mind in some of the country’s most remote locations.
If you’re having car trouble and cellular or Wi-Fi are not available, you’ll be guided through a short questionnaire to capture the key details of your situation. You’ll then be guided to connect to a satellite so the information can be transmitted to RACT and you can message a roadside assistance agent.
RACT Chief Mobility Officer Dean Harris said the technology was a major step forward for drivers in remote areas.
“Keeping people safe on the road and helping them reach their destination is at the heart of what we do at RACT,” he said.
“This innovation extends that safety net further than ever before, giving drivers confidence they can reach us even in areas with no mobile coverage.
This feature builds on the technology behind Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, which launched in Australia in 2023, and allows iPhone users to connect with emergency services when outside of mobile networks and Wi-Fi.
The service applies to all iPhone 14 or later models, with RACT members receiving benefits according to their membership, while non-members can access support on a pay-per-use basis. Apple provides access to Roadside Assistance via satellite free of charge for the first two years after activating an eligible device running iOS 18.4 or later. The satellite function works best in open spaces with a clear view of the sky and may be affected by trees, terrain, or buildings. Roadside Assistance is only available to vehicles on or near a public road. Off-road recovery is not provided. Services are subject to membership terms. Find out more on Apple's support page.