Apple announced many new features for iOS 18 at its WWDC 2024 event, but there wasn't time to cover everything, and additional updates continue to be revealed, including live video support for emergency calls.
As described in Apple's press release for iOS 18, the new functionality will allow you to “share context across streaming video and recorded media.” It means that emergency operators will have a better idea of what is happening and will be able to provide help accordingly.
You can make an emergency call on an iPhone by holding down the power (or side) button and either volume button at the same time: a countdown will be displayed on the screen, and if you continue holding it, the call will be placed.
We haven't seen a demo of the new video feature so far (iOS 18 is currently only available as a developer beta), but presumably there will be options on the screen during the call to start the live stream or send recorded video.
A major improvement
We may add live video support for emergency SOS calls to the long, long list of new features coming to iOS 18. Some of the ones we're most looking forward to include the ability to lock apps and customize the look of your home. screens.
The iOS 18 update could also mean you can delete your current password manager and audio transcription service. Several features that currently cover third-party apps will soon be integrated into Apple software.
Then, of course, we have all the Apple Intelligence tools that iOS 18 offers, including a major update to Siri that should make it much smarter, although keep in mind that Apple Intelligence will only be available on two iPhone models to begin with.
Next month, iOS 18 will enter public beta, so more of us will be able to try it out, and then it should start rolling out to everyone in September, around the same time as the iPhone 16 phones are unveiled.
