Emergency dispatchers continue to complain about the Crash Detection feature on Apple smartphones and smartwatches.
What does it mean
The feature was launched last year for everyoneiPhone 14 models and the latest Apple Watch models, including Series 8, Ultra and SE second generation. Using various sensors, including an accelerometer and a gyroscope, the gadgets are able to detect a collision, that is, a car accident. The user has 10 seconds to react, after which the device beeps and vibrates violently for another 10 seconds. If the owner of the gadget has not canceled the call, the smartphone or watch automatically calls rescuers and transmits the coordinates to them.
However, devices often commit falsedetecting accidents and calling rescuers when the owner is skiing or snowboarding. The user himself often does not hear the signals, since he is wearing thick clothes and a hat or helmet on his head.
For example, in Summit County in Colorado, whereSeveral ski resorts are located, emergency services received 185 such calls during the week from January 13 to January 22. Both dispatchers and police officers complain that they waste their time and energy on false calls, which makes them unable to perform their duties effectively.
Apple responded to these complaints.According to a representative, the company is aware that in some specific scenarios, these features have called emergency services when the user was not involved in a serious car accident or severe fall. The spokesperson noted that Apple optimized crash detection with iOS 16.1.2 and watchOS 9.2 last year to reduce the number of false calls, and said the feature had already helped save several lives. Apple also sent four representatives to the Summit County call center to observe dispatchers at work throughout the day.