Apple to Launch 911 Location Feature with iOS 12 Update

Apple recently announced a partnership with emergency technology company RapidSOS that will add a new feature to the iOS 12 update and allow iPhone users who call 911 to automatically share their location with first responders.

“Communities rely on 911 centers in an emergency, and we believe they should have the best available technology at their disposal,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statementreleased by the company.

In 2015, Apple Launched HELO (Hybridized Emergency Location), which roughly pinpoints a 911 caller's location using device GPS and cell tower location. The RapidSOS partnership allows Apple to combine its technology with RapidSOS' Internet protocol-based data pipeline to securely share the exact location of the caller with first responders.

Apple said the data will be held to strict privacy standards and will not be shared for non-emergency purposes.

“We are excited to work with Apple to provide first responders a new path for accurate, device-based caller location using transformative next-generation 911 technology," said Michael Martin, RapidSOS CEO.

This feature is set to release later this year.