SHOULD YOU TRUST APPLE WITH YOUR LIFE? // iPhone 14 Satellite Emergency SOS vs InReach

👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇

------------------------------------------------------------------------
⭐ MY FAVORITE GEAR ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------
📷 MY FILMING GEAR 📷
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNECT WITH ME!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This video description includes affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!

[michaelwood]

I just used my iphone 15 emergency SOS a few days ago as I found myself lost on an off trail route I was investigating. So glad I had this phone and got signal with a satellite. The signal was not strong but communicated to an operator for long enough to get my information through. I lost signal as I got about 1/3rd of the way descending a 600ft. 30degree slope but they followed by breadcrumb direction trajectory and continued by course until police and search and rescue met me where I intersected a main road. Grateful for this process! And it was free!

[reddottx]

I wouldn’t think of the iPhone as a replacement for the in reach for the serious hiker but more like a backup system. The average person probably has never heard of an in reach so the 14 is a lot better than nothing.

[pursuedbubble]

Seems like it would be a good backup but not a replacement at this time. Definitely a good sign of where technology could be headed in the next ~5 years though!

[dkras]

I actually did replace my Garmin InReach with the Iphone 14 pro max because I had never bothered activating my InReach, subscribed to the service, or even taken it along on any of my hiking trips.
I really didn’t want the monthly subscription charge as I don’t hike that often (maybe twice a year).
Often on the trail, I actually do have a cell signal and can text/communicate with family/friends. But on the occasion that I’m hiking alone and if I was injured and not able to get a wireless signal, the ability to SOS via satellite is very reassuring and all I needed to know. That’s why I upgraded my IPhone and sold my InReach mini. Hopefully the IPhone SOS will get better and better as time goes on, but it’s really all I needed even now!

[DrofJustice]

I wouldn’t ditch my inReach until all of the questions are answered. The two-way non emergency communication is fantastic for keeping family up to date on treks too.

[dcl]

I got to do some beta testing with this along with InyoSAR and I'll just caution people not to ditch their dedicated sat devices. I wish I could explain more about how it works and how it's different, but please wait until its available and real reviews are out to make an assessment. I think it's awesome tec. and will save a lot of lives, but it's more of an absolute last resort for people who very rarely find themselves outside of cell service.

[Will_Bx_NYC_]

The SOS feature on the iPhone is a good start. I’m sure over time it’ll get much better, give it 2-3 years. ❤

[boatbikemike]

iPhone definitely won’t be quite as dialed as the InReach, but I think it will bring new users to Apple. I’m considering upgrading to the iPhone 14 because of this feature. I spend a lot of time Mt biking in New Hampshire, and there isn’t always phone service. I can’t really justify the InReach but a little extra security that doesn’t actually cost anything just about has me sold

[jimm]

The iPhone is an excellent solution for individuals infrequently heading to the backcountry or for those frequently driving through regions without cell coverage.

For those in the outdoors often, the Garmin is still the way to go. I have an Inreach Mini-1 and will probably be buying a Mini-2 for my son. The only drawback for the Inreach is the subscription cost. If you’re out a lot, it’s no big deal. If you’re out infrequently, it’s either pay for service not used or going through the butt pain of remembering to activate/deactivate the subscription (although once you remember, the process isn’t hard).

[majesticbob]

I’m happy that Apple is doing this. I just wish Apple would give once a year sos emergency when being in the backcountry, but have other subscriptions that people can text, call family or friends, create more detail weather reports using this satellite. Can’t wait to see how apple’s develop from this in the future.

[Venom]

Is he...holding an iphone made of paper??

[Lv_o]

Just got back from a 2 1/2 day backpacking trip, this vid helped clinch my decision to get a Mini InReach 2. I had mostly no cell service, which made it an issue w/communicating w/the Hubby. It would’ve been great if I could’ve texted my location so he could check on the paper map I had left for him or that I am packing up and heading toward my car.

[BaumOutdoors]

Thanks for this! Lots of good info. Definitely still need the InReach but having a phone with these capabilities is a major plus as well. More options for sure!

[rxride]

Starlink is coming as well on T-Mobile.

[tomm]

Great overview! To me logically it is less of a "Vs." and more of backup. I would never not bring my iPhone on a BP trip (camera, maps, music etc.) and I would never go on a backcountry bp trip without my InReach (unless really just a local hike). So now I have a backup... cool!

[eijixperia]

Another advantage of InReach is that it functions in very cold temperature whereas iPhone either loses battery quickly or simply shuts itself down.

[Merlmabase]

Thanks for the great overview! As someone who only very occasionally might want a device like the inreach, and hasn't pulled the trigger on buying one yet, there's one upside to Apple entering the space - it might put some downward pressure on Garmin's pricing. I don't know anything about market share, but they sure seem to be the premier offering in the category. I'd love to see them knock a few bucks off the price of the device and the subscriptions.

[bHneXyvm]

These things are use case based. Doing a multi day hike in the back country? Might want a dedicated SOS device. Out day hiking in some normal hiking spot? iPhone might be fine.

Also, are you an avid backpacker who does it all the time? Go dedicated maybe, you know what you’re doing. Go hiking in normal hiking spots every once in a while? iPhone probably works.

[AWalkOnDirt]

Did an absolute replacement for the PCT in 2024. The iPhone isn’t replacing just one piece if gear but two, camera (GoPro) and SOS device (Inreach). So the choice is to carry three devices or one….huge difference.

Yes dedicated devices will always offer more but the dropping of two electronic devices is too good of a savings.

[murda]

I think having it available for FREE is a great asset, but I don't see it replacing the InReach. The things that you mentioned: ruggedness, battery life, etc. are all important in the back country.
When ever the SpaceX/T-Mobile sat system shows up (also for FREE), then it might be time for people to consider dropping InReach. That is supposed to give you the normal texting that the InReach does. It is also planned to and even phone calls!